Steve “Buck” Martinez, a man whose strength, resilience, and love for life left an indelible mark on all who knew him, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 100. A longtime Shreveport resident, Steve’s remarkable journey was one of hard work, devotion, and an unwavering appreciation for the simple joys in life.
Steve was the son of Hosea and Victoria "Cora" Martinez. His life’s work was shaped by his relentless work ethic, starting with a 40+ year career as a truck driver and later, a 20+ year stint as a parts delivery driver at ABC Auto Parts. Even after his retirement at 92, Steve remained active, independent, and full of energy, always finding something to keep him busy. He loved his job and was known for his commitment to doing everything with pride, which earned him the admiration of his colleagues and friends.
But while work defined much of his life, it was Steve’s character, his humor, and his unshakeable devotion to family that made him unforgettable. A man of great kindness, Steve never passed up an opportunity to say "thank you" to those who helped him, whether it was a friendly gesture, a small favor, or a moment of kindness. His appreciation for people extended to every corner of his life—his family, his friends, and even those he met in passing. He made sure that everyone knew how much he cared, and his gratefulness was a constant in his daily life.
Steve was a man of distinct style, always sporting a crisp, starched shirt and his iconic Stetson hat. He was known as a snappy dresser, with an elegance that matched his confident, yet warm personality. On weekends, Steve’s love for dancing brought him to the VFW hall, where you could always find him on the dance floor with a full card of partners. He didn’t just love to dance; he loved the joy it brought to others. His spirit was infectious, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel like the most important person in the room.
Steve was proud of his family’s accomplishments and took great joy in their company. He found immense happiness in sharing meals, stories, and laughs with those he loved, often offering words of wisdom or simply a smile that conveyed more than words could express.
Steve's faith was at the heart of everything he did. A devout Catholic, he was an usher for many years at both St. John’s and St. Catherine’s Catholic churches, where he built a deep sense of community. His faith grounded him, and he lived it through acts of kindness, generosity, and service to others.
Even as Steve grew older, he maintained his independence. Until the age of 99, he lived on his own, drove his car, and cooked his own meals. His daily ritual of reading the newspapers kept him connected to the world, and he always had a smile or a story to share about the latest headlines. He was sharp, lively, and full of spirit right up to the end.
He is survived by his sons Eric (Monya), Vincent (Karen), and Tim Martinez; his grandchildren Brittany Whitaker (Josh), Mallory Muslow (Dylan), Maddox Martinez, and Mason Martinez; and his great-grandchildren Sophie Whitaker, Camile Whitaker, Lana Muslow, and Remi Muslow. His devotion to them was boundless, and he took pride in watching them grow and thrive.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita Meshell Martinez, whom he adored, and his sisters Martha Foshee, Catherine Dangio, and Eva Martinez. His legacy, however, lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry his warmth, his gratitude, and his love for life with them.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108. A celebration of life service will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home with Msg Rothell Price officiating. Steve will be laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108; American Heritage Garden, Lot 23.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Glen and LifePath Hospice for their care and support in Steve’s final years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local Catholic church.
