Gilbert R. Martinez

Gilbert Rojo (Shorty) Martinez, age 80, of Odessa, Texas went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 25, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2015, at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home in Odessa. A Mass at St. Joseph will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. with Father Isidore Ochiabuto officiating Monday, September 28, 2015 with graveside services following at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Gilbert was born in Coahoma, Texas on October 17, 1934 to Francisco and Luisa Martinez. He was the youngest of five children.

He was employed as an operator at General Tire & Rubber Company for 30 years. He was also a business owner, rental property owner, and entrepreneur who provided for his wife and family very well. Gilbert was a joy to be around. He was a one of a kind character with an unforgettable laugh. He was stern yet gentle, and a loving man known for telling stories and cracking jokes. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends at McDonald’s and meeting them at Comanche Trails Park. He will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by daughters Sally Gonzales and husband Donald, grandchildren JR and Cheryl; Grace Bersosa and husband Leo, grandchildren Renna, Leo Jr., and Miranda; sons Guillermo (Willie) and wife Mary, grandchildren Eva, Geena, and Laura; Manuel and wife Linda, grandchildren Valerie and Michael; and Antonio and wife Susan, grandchildren Angelica, Albert, and Steven. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Guadalupe (Lupe) Torres Martinez; son Albert Martinez; his parents Francisco and Luisa Martinez; sister Carmen Corralez; brothers Patricio, Antonio, and Francisco (Pancho) Martinez.