September 11, 1930 – January 29, 2023
Born 11 September 1940 in Fisher County and grew up in Rotan, Texas, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023. He was the fourth of eleven children of Robert and Catharine Martinez. He was a natural role model and mentor to his beloved siblings. Joe graduated from Hobbs High School in 1958 as the highest-ranking boy in his class. During high school, Joe was also successful in track and basketball, serving as quarterback of the football team during his senior year.
After High School, he joined the Marine Corps, proudly served and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1969.
After the Marine Corps, he had a very long and successful career with GTE (now Verizon) for over 20 years. Joe played an integral part of a team that brought E9-1-1 services to Denton County. Through his association with Toastmasters, Joe met his second wife, Gladys. They married in July 1982 and their family grew to eight children. After retiring from GTE, he returned to Abilene to manage the family farm. He retired from ranching and returned to Flower Mound, but always remained busy. For several years he ran a successful roofing company and traveled the US completing many commercial jobs. Joe also volunteered at Medical City Hospital and at his church, St. Philip Catholic Church.
Joe was happiest when surrounded by family. He was immensely proud of his children and especially each of his 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He looked forward to visits from each of them, who, on multiple occasions, were reminded he or she was his favorite. He was always quick to compliment and express his gratitude for every kind deed.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Catharine Martinez, brothers Richard and Dr. Robert Martinez, first wife Rosine Patterson Martinez, and daughter Barbara Beres. His memory will be cherished by his wife of 41 years, Gladys Szot Beres Martinez, siblings Marie (Dr. Timothy) Fowler, Catharine (Keith) Fretz, Dr. John (Anna) Martinez, Fred (Linda) Martinez III, Maurice Martinez, Monica (Major Jay, retired) Morgan, Delila (Randall) Rains, Margaret Mary Martinez, and sister-in-law Kay Martinez; children Christopher (Kimberley) Martinez, Tim (Donna) Davis, Elisha (Robert) Silberberg, Beverly Beres, John (Kim) Beres, Robert Beres, and Scott (Jennifer) Beres, as well as, numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the kind and gracious neighbors who never hesitated to provide assistance at a moment’s notice, and to his children and grandchildren who gave countless hours of technical support, ride shares, and conversation.
A Service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00pm at Flower Mound Family Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to any area Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.