John Martin Armendariz

John was a proud Texan shaped by small town roots and family values that run through the generations that follow him. His undergrad years were spent in Ballinger and San Angelo, TX where he graduated high school in 1972. He attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, TX before joining the U.S. Navy and marrying Gloria Lynn Soto of San Angelo in 1973 with whom he had two children.

After being stationed in Oahu HI, and Bremerton, WA John and Gloria settled in San Angelo, TX and John adjusted comfortably and easily into the family man he would always be.

John spent his life creating those moments for everyone that make memories, teaching his children, nieces, and nephews all he knew about life, love, humor, generosity, and courage and he will be sorely missed by not only his grown children but by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his nieces and nephews and even his ex-wife's nieces and nephews who became his own through many years of love and life together.

Family was everything to John, and he effortlessly gathered the families of his and Gloria’s brothers and sisters on holidays, birthdays, Sundays and any days he could manage in between where he’d be grilling up everyone's favorite BBQ brisket or chicken and smoked sausage. And if not grilling then watching football or fishing shows or teaching his grandkids how to bait a hook or fly a kite. Regardless, you’d always find him creating those family bonds he cherished so dearly, and his family will miss so much.

Later in life John fought through many health issues, beating cancer twice, spending ten years on dialysis, and his last six months in the hospital having surgery after surgery trying to better his health. He never gave up not once and thankfully he was able to spend his final days and one last huge Thanksgiving celebration alert and happy at home with his family.

He leaves behind a family that adored him, recipes no one can duplicate, and memories that will be forever cherished.

John is preceded in death by his parents Gilbert Armendariz Sr and Nellie Balderas, brothers Peter Armendariz and Robert Armendariz and sister Linda Rodriguez. He is survived by one brother, Gilbert Armendariz Jr., and sister Rebecca Martinez. His children Andy Armendariz and Angela Armendariz and their mother Gloria Armendariz, who, despite their differences and divorce in later years, was the one and only love of Johns life.

John is also survived by his grandchildren, Zachary Grimaldo, Andy Armendariz Jr, Bella Tovar, Cheyan Perales, John Angelo Montoya and Leo Randeri and his great grandchildren, Waylon River Armendariz, Nyla Moon Garza-De La Cruz, and Castiel Carter Grimaldo along with Rafaela Armendariz, Peter Armendariz Jr., Amanda Armendariz and Nellie Junek who were not only very close and special relatives to John all through his adult life, but who also stood by his side, held his hand, and prayed hard for him in his final days and hours.

In honor of John’s memory, we will have a simple burial of his ashes at 11am on Thursday, December 18th, 2025, at The Latin American Cemetery at HWY 67 & S CR 120, Ballinger, TX 76821. Friends and family are invited to join us afterward at St Hubert Pastoral Center at 605 5th St, Ballinger, TX 76821 for a meal and time of remembrance. To honor his wishes, a memorial celebration and feast will be held in late spring 2026 date tbd.