Jose Luis Martinez

José Luis Martínez, 81, passed away on the morning of January 10, 2026. He was born on October 2, 1944, in Umán, Yucatán, México, to the late Teresita de Jesús Vargas and Lorenzo Martínez. He grew up in Mérida, Yucatán.

José worked in car washes for nearly three decades across Los Angeles, eventually rising to the role of manager. His strong people skills and work ethic helped him achieve that role. He was the oldest of four siblings—Lupita, Mario, Nora, and Rafael. From a young age, José worked to help provide for his mother and younger siblings, earning their deep love and admiration. His charismatic personality and go-getter attitude helped him turn challenges into opportunities—always.

José married his loving and devoted wife, Eloisa, on April 11, 1969, in Mérida. They shared a beautiful 56 years together, creating memories and going on many adventures. In 1971, José migrated to Los Angeles, California, with his wife and their young daughter, Ellie. He later became a United States citizen, one of the proudest moments of his life. He loved this country and all the opportunities it afforded him. He also loved his Dodgers and got to watch them win the 2024 World Series.

Known for his zest for life, quick wit, kind heart, good humor, and positivity, José will be deeply missed by his family and all those who were lucky enough to call him a friend. Wherever he went, he made friends, and his outgoing nature and humor made him easy to remember and hard to forget. He adored his wife and daughters, consistently showing his love through both words and actions. José lived life to the fullest and instilled a strong work ethic in his daughters, who admired and loved him greatly.

José is survived by his wife, Eloisa; daughters, Ellie Acosta (Javier), Lili Caro, and Diana Brown (Andrew); grandchildren, Michael Caro and Owen Brown; and his beloved perrita, Kiana. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Mario Martínez.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Oakdale Mortuary, 1401 South Grand Ave, Glendora, CA.