Paul Cespedes Martinez

Paul Martinez was born in Juarez, Mexico, in 1946 to Pablo Martinez and Beatriz Cespedes. As the youngest in his family, he was deeply loved by his parents, brothers and sisters-in-law. In his youth, Paul cherished traveling by train with his mother during the summer months, where he enjoyed learning from teachers along the way.

Paul was well regarded by all who knew him and was known for his friendly nature which allowed him to make many friends throughout his lifetime. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in El Paso, Texas, on May 26th, 1966, and continued his education by attending college afterwards.

Paul then decided to join the United States Navy in 1968 during the Vietnam War. He served as a Third-Class Petty Officer, specializing as a Interior Communication Electrician. In this role, he was a skilled and dependable technician, serving on both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets. He really enjoyed traveling to many countries, learning about different cultures, and expanding his understanding through these experiences abroad. His final assignment was on the USS Lloyd Thomas in 1971.

When he returned home, he worked as an auto parts representative, where he met Raphael Chavez, his future brother-in-law, who introduced him to his sister Hilda Chavez. On March 30, 1974, Paul married Hilda, and together they built a loving family. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Blanca Martinez, and his son, Daniel Martinez. Paul was patient and thoughtful with his children and grandchildren, always offering wise guidance whenever they had questions. He worked diligently to provide for his wife, Hilda, ensuring that she had everything she needed. They were united in marriage for 49 years, until Hilda's passing on October 18, 2020.

Paul will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his positive outlook, and the lasting friendships he made. He is survived by his children, Blanca Martinez and Daniel Martinez; his grandchildren, Selina Monique Hull, Mark Andrew Hull, Nadia Liana Bowen, Desiree Makenzie Denault-Martinez, Alexis Marie Gail Denault-Martinez, Isabelle Maria Martinez, and Vicente Alejo Martinez; and his great-grandchildren, Gunner Mason Stock and Rylan River Stock, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda Martinez; his parents, Pablo Martinez and Beatriz Cespedes; and his brothers, Enrique Rodriguez, Pedro Rodriguez, and Arturo Rodriguez.

A visitation for Paul will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. A funeral service will occur Friday, August 15, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. A graveside service will occur Friday, August 15, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at EAST LAWN PALMS CEMETERY, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712.