Pete R. Martinez

Pete R. Martinez Sr., 75, of Freeport went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 28, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was born in Ganado, Texas, to Jose and Elvira Martinez on October 19, 1935, the eldest of 12 children. Originally from Palacios, Texas he resided in Freeport for 46 years. Pete graduated from Palacios high School in 1956 where he excelled in track. He received a jacket and lettered in softball for being an ace pitcher. After graduation he married his wife Julia Hernandez from Palacios, whom he shared 53 years of marriage with. His greatest joy in life was being with family. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country from 1958-1960. He was in the Reserves from 1960-1964. He worked as an automobile mechanic for Polk Chevrolet and Leo Martin for many years until he retired due to his health. He was an excellent mechanic who people were always looking for to fix their vehicles. His parents, grandparents, wife Julia, brothers Lino and Louis Martinez, sister Mary Jane Martinez, niece Veronica Martinez, nephew Gary Martinez, sister-in-law Ester Martinez and daughter-in-law Michelle Martinez preceded him in death. He is survived by four sons, Mark Martinez, Fred Martinez (Trish), Pete Martinez Jr. and Rene Martinez and a daughter, Regina Martinez all from Freeport, Texas; six grandchildren, Heather Mendoza, Frederick, Laura, Julie and Kelby Martinez, Kimberly Garcia; four great grandchildren, Isaiah Martinez Mata, Ila and Iliana Mendoza, Jalen Ferguson; six brothers, Victor (Mary) Martinez, Jesse (Margaret) Martinez, Joe (Dora) Martinez, Johnny Martinez and fiancé Roseann, Roy Martinez, William (Debbie) Martinez; sisters, Sally Bermea, Mary (Frank) Rodriguez and many other loving relatives and friends.