Mario J. Martinez passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2025. He was 89 years old. Mr. Martinez is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mabel, his six children Denise Winfield (David), Catherine Martinez, Anthony Martinez, RoseAnn Martinez, Patricia Martinez, and Laura Ogletree (Daryl), and his beloved brother and sister, Tony Martinez and Cari Hemperley. He is also survived by his grandchildren Madeline Martinez (Jonah), Marianne Martinez, Ashley Martinez, Aubrey Martinez, Karla Duran (John), Avery Jordan Martinez, Isabella Martinez, Ryan Norris, Samuel Norris, Joshua Ogletree, and Zach Stauffer. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Aurora Norris, Zoe Norris, Gwen Norris, and Mariano Duran, and a beloved constellation of nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Miguel and Catalina Martinez, his sister Arcelia Mitchell, brother Mike Martinez, brothers in law Jim Mitchell and Robert Hemperley, and sisters in law Jackie Martinez and Vivian Martinez.
Mr. Martinez served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1963, and was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Lieutenant and then later Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves. He graduated with a B.A. from Texas Western College (now UTEP) in 1957 and then graduated with a J.D. from the University of Texas Law School in 1963. He was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney in 1965-67 and was subsequently appointed United State Commissioner in 1967-71 and United States Magistrate in 1971-73. He entered full- time private practice in 1973 and maintained his solo practice for the next 52 years. He served in several prominent community and professional positions including Chairman of the El Paso County Civil Service Commission, National Director of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, multiple positions with the El Paso County Bar Association and West Texas Director of the State Bar of Texas. He was a tireless advocate for his clients and a respected and beloved member of the El Paso legal community. He was the center of the universe for his family who will mourn his passing for the rest of their lives.
Funeral services for Mr. Martinez:
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 26, from 5pm to 8pm at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa Street.
Rosary will begin at 6pm.
Funeral Mass will be held Monday, January 27, at 9am at St. Patrick Cathedral.
Burial will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., East Shelter, at 10:30am.
