Placido Martinez Jr.

Placido leaves behind his devoted wife, Lucia Escobar Martinez of North Richland Hills, Texas; daughter Diana and husband Victor Marcellino Saldivar of Fort Worth, Texas; son Placido Gaspar Martinez and wife Lacretia Glazner Martinez of Yukon, Oklahoma; grandson Victor Vicente Saldivar and wife Jamie Saldivar of North Richland Hills, Texas; grandson Julien Alexander Martinez and partner Claire Schwettmann of Brooklyn, New York; grandson Aidan Keane Martinez and partner Blake Howard of Arlington, Texas; and great-grandson Gabriel Eduardo Saldivar of North Richland Hills, Texas. He is also survived by his sister Eulalia Rosales of Fort Worth, Texas; brother Paul Martinez of Fort Worth, Texas; sister Francisca Furioso and husband Bill Furioso of Bath, New York; brother Lorenzo Martinez and wife Rosalind of Fort Worth; brother Jerry Moore of McAllen, Texas; sister Maria Martinez of Bath, New York; and brother Mauro Martinez and wife Phyllis Martinez of Haltom City, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ana Maria Martinez.

Born in Ellis County, Texas, on March 10, 1942, to Placido Sr. and Braulia Martinez, Placido learned the values of hard work, determination, and loyalty to family and friends from a young age—principles he lived by throughout his life. A dedicated barber for over 50 years, he owned and operated his own barber shop, The Esquire, in Hurst, Texas, and cherished the friendships built from his barber chair. Additionally, he contributed to the community by working for the Star Telegram and various local Mexican news publications, showcasing and always promoting his love for his Mexican heritage.

Placido was passionate about many activities, including boxing. In his youth, he trained as a boxer and had a successful amateur career, eventually training boxers at the Golden Gloves Boxing Club in Fort Worth, Texas. He also adored soccer, cheering for his son, grandsons, the Mexican National team, and Liga MX. Another of his joys was professional wrestling, whether attending local events or watching on television. Additionally, music played a significant role in his life that brought him immense joy. He loved entertaining, singing alongside his son-in-law and grandson, and performed at St. John's the Apostle Church—where he worshiped for over 50 years—as well as at retirement communities and for anyone who would appreciate it. Music was a vibrant part of Placido’s life, and even in his final days, he cherished singing his favorite songs.

Above all, Placido's greatest love was for his family and friends. Whether as a husband, father, grandfather (Huelo/Yoyo), son, brother, uncle, or friend, his immense love for everyone was the most precious gift he offered.