In Loving Memory of Jose “Joe” Mauricio Martinez

March 5, 1938 – October 10, 2026

Jose “Joe” Mauricio Martinez, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, master craftsman, and proud soldier, Joe lived a life defined by honor, unwavering discipline, and deep devotion to those he loved. Joe proudly served his country for 22 years in the Army National Guard Reserves, achieving the rank of Sergeant and serving as an aviation technician specializing in helicopter turbine engines. His military service was one of the greatest honors of his life. The pride he carried for his uniform and his country never faded—nearly every conversation with Joe eventually found its way back to a lesson, a laugh, or a memory from his service days, seamlessly tying the wisdom of his military experience into everyday discussions and current events. In both his military service and civilian life, Joe was a man of extraordinary skill and exacting precision. He took immense pride in his work; everything he touched was done right, down to the millimeter. His workshop was always meticulously organized, and his standards were legendary—his Binks spray gun was kept so immaculately clean that you could drink right out of the mixing cup when he was finished. Whether he was restoring antique wood furniture, doing marine and automotive paint and body work, or taking on complex carpentry, his hands breathed new life into everything he built and restored.Above all his achievements, Joe’s heart belonged to his family. In February of 1960, he married the love of his life, Mary. Together, they shared over 66 years of steadfast love, dedication, and companionship, building a legacy that will endure for generations. Joe was a proud, loving father to six children and cherished his role at the head of a large, tight-knit family.He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Martinez Sr. and Tomasa Mauricio Martinez; his brother, Gerardo Martinez; and his sister, Evangelina Gonzalez.Joe’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Mary; his six children and their spouses: Jesse Martinez and wife Leticia, Rose Marie Hawkins and husband Abel, Jose (Joe) Martinez Jr. and wife Yvette, Magdalena Ramos and husband Roy, Javier Martinez and wife Cynthia, and Juan Martinez; his 14 grandchildren; his 21 great-grandchildren; his brother, Victor Martinez Jr., and wife, Lupe; his sister, Amelia Vargas; and numerous extended family members, lifelong friends, and fellow servicemen whose lives he touched. 

Services & Committal Arrangements
Wednesday, October 28, 2026

• Location: Castillo Funeral Home (Gen. McMullen) 
• Family Viewing: 3:00 PM Public Viewing: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Holy Rosary: 6:00 PM

Thursday, October 29, 2026

• Final Viewing: 8:00 AM at Castillo Funeral Home (Gen. McMullen) (procession departs at 9:15 AM)
• Funeral Mass: 10:30 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church (Gen. McMullen)
• Interment with Military Honors: 1:15 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Sgt. Jose M. Martinez to the EANGUS We Care for America Foundation to support National Guard service members and their families: https://eangus-wcfa.org