Guadalupe Martinez, Jr.

Heaven welcomed a beautiful soul on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 when Guadalupe C. Martinez, Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His spirit is carried on by his loving wife, Graciela, two daughters, Marissa (Glen) Jackson, Laura A. Wheat and grandchildren, Avery Wheat and Pierce Linton.

Lupe was born on March 9, 1929 in Laredo, Texas and graduated from Martin High School in 1948. He served our country in the United States Air Force from June 1951 through June 1955 as a Senior Airman during the Korean War. In October 1952, he was transferred to Japan for one year serving as a Radio Operator. He flew many cargo missions from Japan to Korea during this tour of duty in the Far East. Following his service, he attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville. In 1959, he married his beautiful wife, Graciela Garcia Martinez.

Lupe worked for the Internal Revenue Service from 1962 until his retirement in 1989. Immediately afterward, as an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, he opened his business offering accounting services and tax assistance. Lupe was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Patrick Church since 1970, offering many volunteer hours with the Men’s Club.

Lupe raised his daughters to be happy, loving, successful women and for that, they are eternally grateful. He cherished every moment he spent with his two grandchildren, Avery and Pierce. His fun loving and witty personality will never be forgotten as it lives on vibrantly in his family and friends. His family will continue to celebrate the fulfilling life he led and his memory will always be a blessing to those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe and Juanita Martinez; siblings, Jesus M. Martinez, Esperanza (Matias) Garcia, Amelia Martinez, and Maria Luisa Martinez; as well as, brothers-in-law, Jose M. Azios and Richard G. Morales, Sr.

Lupe is further survived by his sisters, Alicia Morales, Consuelo (Joe) Guerra, and Beatriz Azios; sister-in-law, Lydia Martinez; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers, Irma and Margarita for their loving and compassionate care. The family appreciates the medical care provided by Mateo Reyes, MD, Fernando Sanchez-Villaseñor, MD, Marissa Lopez, RN, Juan Hernandez, PT; and CIMA Hospice Care providers, Mayela Hernandez, RN, Lucy Salinas, RN, Joanna Avalos, RN, Jorge Jimenez, RN, and Sofia Rodriguez, CNA.

The family will be receiving condolences on Saturday morning, October 27, 2018 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd. Funeral Procession will depart at 11 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m.

Military Honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard after Mass.

His nephews Javier Morales, Rod Garcia, Ron Garcia, and Russ Garcia will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, http://act.alz.org/goto/Guadalupe_C_Martinez.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.