Al was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Reyes Marquez, and Carmen Sarmiento Marquez and his 2 siblings.
He is survived by his sons Christopher Matthew Marquez and Alfonso Marquez Jr., grandchildren Christopher Eric, Sarah Elizabeth and Alyssa Isabella Marquez, and his 9 brothers and sisters. He is also survived by his wife Yvonne Whitaker, her sons Emmanuel and Enrique Gonzalez, grandchildren Kal-El and Julian Gonzalez, and all his friends.
Al was born in El Paso and grew up with his 12 brothers and sisters. From a young age Al was very resourceful. During tough times, when his father was furloughed from Asarco due to strikes, he and his brothers would sell burritos and cut lawns to help the family. Shortly after, he got his first official job delivering newspapers, worked as a parking attendant, and graduated from the Factory of Farrah (one of his many jokes). He was a proud graduate of Jefferson High School. And was proud to call himself a Jefferson Silver Fox. As he found his calling, he decided to enlist in the Army without telling his parents, at the young age of 18 where he served 3 years in the 82nd Airborne. Once back in El Paso, he joined the El Paso Police Department and retired proudly as a Homicide Detective after 26 years. He later joined the County family where he served for 17 years as the Bailiff of the District Court.
Al was an amazing human being. He was quick to crack a joke and have you smiling and laughing within minutes of meeting him. He made you feel welcome at his home whether he had known you for many years, or a few seconds and was quick to render aid and help anyone in need. His ability to strike conversations and make friends with anyone who came across his path was impressive. He was always the life of the party and became well known for his Halloween parties, as it was his favorite holiday. He loved to play board games with his grandkids, was a hardcore Dallas Cowboys fan, and loved to play golf. But, most of all, he enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. Because of this, Al would turn any occasion into a big happy celebration. Rain or shine, Al lived and enjoyed life as if tomorrow didn’t exist. Al’s kindness, outstanding personality, attractive smile, amazing laugh, and his positive energy were extremely contagious. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 20th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Avenue with Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, September 21st at 1:00 pm at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 North Mesa Street. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Blvd., with United States Army Military Honors and El Paso Police Department Honors.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMartin.com for the Marquez family.
