Telesforo Martinez, known to his family and friends as Tio Tele, Marty, and Dad — and to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren simply as “Boo” — passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born on May 17, 1941, in Eldorado, Texas, to Julia Martinez, one of eleven children.
Tele served in the United States Army for 20 years, including a tour in Vietnam, and retired in 1983 as a Sergeant First Class (E-7). His decorations included the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), among others. After retiring from the Army, he installed specialized computer equipment for hospitals and later U.S. Postal Service mail-sorting machines, earning a reputation as the “go-to” man for the toughest jobs. In retirement, he volunteered at his local hospital, served as a volunteer firefighter, and helped with local elections.
Tele is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maria Martinez; daughter Joyce Martinez Erwin; brother Manuel Martinez; many beloved nieces and nephews; three grandchildren, Adam Erwin, Elaine Baca, and Seth Erwin; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia Martinez, and nine siblings.
A visitation will be held Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, 2951 South Beltline Rd, Grand Prairie, Texas.
A funeral service will be held Monday, September 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, 2951 South Beltline Rd, Grand Prairie, TX, with burial with military honors following at 2:00 PM at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery. Officiating will be his son-in-law, Chaplain, Colonel Randy Erwin, USAF (Ret).
