Joe P. Martinez Sr.

Joe Phillip Martinez Sr., 82, of Houston Texas entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 17th 2014. He was born May 2nd, 1931 in Lockhart, Texas. Joe graduated from Milby High School where he was a star basketball player and selected to the all-city basketball team. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Houston and his Master’s degree in Education at Texas A&M. Joe was in the military and a veteran of the Korean War and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and wife Zapopan Martinez and his sister, Pura Castillo. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lydia and his sons, Joe Phillip Jr.,(Rachel), James, John (Tatiana), grandchildren, Angelica Olivos (Mark), Joel (Erika), Stephanie, Eva, Milana, and great grandchildren, Danielle and Emma. Joe is also survived by his seven sisters, Socorro Castillo, Ester Flores, Geneva Hernandez, Mary Mendoza, Sister Mary Patricia, Aurora Cantu, Gloria Mendoza, and numerous other loving relatives. He worked for HISD for 34 years as a Biology teacher and a Vocational counselor. Joe loved sports especially watching football and basketball games. He loved music and dancing. He also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. After his retirement, he loved to spend time at his farm in Flatonia, Texas. Joe was a loving husband and father and beloved by many family and friends. He will be deeply missed. Visitation will be 5-9pm, with a rosary at 7pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 11am on Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Interment will follow in the Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.