Marshall William Martinez

Marshall was born in Houston, Texas at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was a vibrant child with love and vitality of life. He started his education at St. Pius V Catholic School and was a student from kindergarten through 8th grade. It was a family affair since his mother, Deborah, worked at the school and Matthew (brother) & Michelle (sister) also attended. He attended Mt. Carmel High School from his freshman year until his senior year. He played football and basketball all four years for Mt. Carmel High School. He was captain of the football team and captain of the basketball team. He was elected homecoming king his senior year.

Marshall had a zest for life that was impossible to miss. He loved to dance, and he loved sports in every possible way—to watch them, play them, talk about them, and share them with the people around him. You could see his eyes light up with excitement just to watch Marvel and spiderman movies.

But what made Marshall truly special was the way he made people feel. He was incredibly inclusive and had a gift for making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and remembered. He noticed the little things, remembered the details, and made people feel that they mattered. He was the person who was always “yes,” always up for whatever adventure came next, and always willing to make room for others.

Marshall was a true giver—not just of his time or generosity, but of his goodness, his love, and his heart. He gave freely and genuinely, with a thoughtfulness and kindness that made people feel cared for. His generosity was emotional as much as it was tangible. He loved deeply, welcomed freely, and gave of himself wholeheartedly.

In addition to his beautiful soul, Marshall had so many accomplishments. In May of 2024, Marshall received his Associate’s Degree at San Jacinto College. In October of 2025, Marshall ran his first half marathon and finished 47th in his age group of over 600 runners. He was active in the Catholic Church and attended many events held on behalf of the church. Marshall worked at the University of Houston – Clear Lake (UHCL) and was continuing his education in Kinesiology.

He is survived by his father & mother, Michael and Deborah Martinez, sister Michelle Martinez (Trenton), brother Matthew Martinez (Angelle), grandma Antonia Moreno Garcia (Raul), grandpa Joe William Cañas (Shelly), Tia Jennifer Cañas, Uncle Rene (Cynthia), Tia Lydia, Tia Suzie, Uncle Bryan, Tia Gloria, Tia Theresa (John), Tia Beatriz, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Janelle (Jeff), Uncle Michael Garcia (Sharla), Uncle Ricardo and Uncle Grant, and many cousins, friends and extended family.

He is preceded in death by grandma Angelita Martinez Jaramillo & grandpa Johnny Jaramillo.

Honorary Pallbearers are the following: Israel Campos, Christian Mata, Joshua Perales, Joel Arredondo, Jose Verdin, Jaylyn Flores, Marc Garcia.

He was an amazing son, a loving brother, a cherished grandson, a beloved nephew, and a treasured friend. His kindness, love, and presence touched so many lives, and he will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who loved him. Our hearts and lives are forever changed by knowing our beloved Marshall “Lil Marsh”.

Friends are cordially invited to a celebration of Marshall’s life from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 17th of August, in the grand foyer and Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at half-past seven o’clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 18th of August, at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 824 Main Street in Pasadena.

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