Catarino Martinez

He was born in Edinburg, Texas on March 20, 1946 to Catarino and Maria Elena Gonzalez Martinez.

Cat lived most of his life in Loraine. He was a graduate of Loraine High class of 1966, a close knit class who always managed to keep in touch over the years. After graduating high school Cat joined the Army where he served from September of 1967 to April of 1969. After his honorable discharge Cat married the love of his life Rafaila Arenas on November 16, 1969. Cat spent the majority of his life working for USG Gypsum Plant as a mechanic retiring in 2013 after 41 years. He was what most would call a staple of his community having served as the Mayor of Loraine from 1987 until 2005.

Cat was generally a very happy man, who seemed tough to rattle. When he greeted you he would always say good morning and smile, no matter what time of day it was or how he was feeling. His days consisted of going around town and visiting, making sure to meet all the new people. In his spare time he loved doing yard-work, welding, doing crossword puzzles, shopping for bargains, and taking care of other peoples properties including the park in downtown Loraine. He will be deeply missed by his family and his community.

Cat is survived by his wife Rafaila Martinez, a son Efran Martinez of Sweetwater, daughters Micki Jo Hernandez and husband Raul of Loraine and Kathrine Ann Martinez of Loraine, and grandchildren Alicia A. Hernandez, Abram Hernandez, Adrian M. Hernandez, Kristina M. Martinez, and Arianni C. Martinez. Also surviving is his sister Theodora Madrid of Arlington and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, by a daughter Stephanie Ann Martinez, brothers, Juaquin Martinez and Federico Martinez and by a sister Raquel Franco.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Cat will be held on Thursday, March 23rd at 10 am at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Loraine with Father Michael Udegbunam officiating, burial will follow in the Loraine Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joey Reyna, Adalberto Franco, Sammy Madrid, Abram Hernandez, Adrian Hernandez, and Jacob Arce.

The family will be present for a visitation in the Kiker Seale Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, March 22nd from 5-7pm with a rosary to follow at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions in his memory to Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Loraine.

Those wishing are encouraged to share a memory by visiting www.kikerseale.com