Manuel "Manny" John Martinez Sr.

Manuel "Manny" John Martinez, Sr., age 82, passed on to glory peacefully on October 19, 2026. Manny was born in Kansas City Missouri on December 18, 1943, to parents, Gomeciendo Ramon and Guadalupe Maria Martinez. Manny worked as an automotive painter for 35 years. Manny was most notably known for his giving back to the community and was a member of the Knights of Columbus organization where he gave back with his fellow members in community service. He was a member of the Hispanic community group, Azteca’s De Kansas City, where he served as the President of the group for many years. He passionately dedicated his time to the role of Master of Ceremonies during many parades and Fiestas. Manny was also a well-known local radio personality with the radio Program, “A Taste of Tejano”, on station, KKFI 90.1, in Kansas City, before he retired and passed that legacy on to the next generation of radio personalities.

Manny was preceded in death by father, Gomeciendo Martinez, and mother, Guadelupe Martinez, of Kansas City, Missouri; brothers, Francisco Martinez of Chicago, Illinois, Henry Martinez of Kansas City, Missouri, Eugene Martinez of Kansas City, Missouri, Anthony “Tony” Martinez of Blue Springs, Missouri, Frank “Frankie” Martinez of Kansas City, Missouri; and sister, Lucy (Martinez) Valdepena of Kansas City, Missouri.

Manny is survived by brothers, John Martinez Sr. of LaCygne, Kansas, Ramon Martinez (Rose) of Kansas City, Missouri, and Michael Martinez (Mary) of Basehor, Kansas; sisters, Eleanor Mata (Richard) of Blue Springs Missouri, Rose Barton (David) of Bonner Springs, Kansas, Alice Zuniga (George) of Shawnee, Kansas, Marie Aguirre (Joe) of Overland Park, Kansas, and Vicky Martinez of Phoenix, Arizona; and his children, Manuel Martinez, Jr., Monica (Martinez) Aguirre, Mark Martinez, Peter Martinez and Michael Martinez.

All services will be at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1310 Westport Rd, Kansas City MO 64111. Visitation is from 6-9pm on Monday, October 26th. Mass of Christian Burial for Manny will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 27th with a rosary preceding Mass at 10:45 am.

Our family would like to thank everyone for the prayers and uplifting we have received from so many people in our time of grief. Please know that we love each and every one of you. Thank You All!