

Jose Maria Martinez, Jr., 82, of Corpus Christi, Texas, entered his eternal rest on January 30, 2017 surrounded by his family and their love and prayers. He was born April 6, 1934 on a farm, in Cruz Calle, Texas. He was the seventh child born to Jose Maria, Sr. and Gregoria Guerrero Martinez.
“Choma or Joe,” as he was affectionately known by family and friends, lived life with a simple purpose. He learned the value of hard work from his years on the family farm. He met the love of his life Lupe, on a school bus while attending Premont High School. Together they raised four girls and two boys. Family was the cornerstone of his greatest achievement and legacy.
Joe devoted 39 years of continuous service with the Corpus Christi Army Depot. He also sold real estate throughout his life and took great pride in helping first-time homebuyers. Interacting and meeting with people was one of his greatest assets. Joe’s free spirit could light up a room at any given time. He looked forward to dancing, listening to music, and socializing with family and friends. He had a passion for the Dallas Cowboys that made organizing football pots worth the risk.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Guadalupe Rodriguez Martinez of 63 years, his children: Olga Garza of Corpus Christi, Mary Lou Gonzalez of San Antonio, Annie Martinez of Dallas, Joseph Martinez, Robert (Elaine) Martinez of Corpus Christi, and his sister Natividad Martinez of Premont.
He was blessed with five grandchildren: Melissa (Samuel) Valenzuela, Leo (Mary Ann) Garza, Christina Gonzalez, Andrea Gonzalez, Orion Martinez and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Irma "Mimi" Martinez, his parents, brothers; Eloy, Luis, Juan, Laurence, Roosevelt Martinez, and sister; Esperanza Martinez Sanchez.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Memory Gardens Funeral Home with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.
A Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
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