Antonio Martinez Jr.

Antonio Martinez Jr., a cherished patriarch and beacon of love, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of 89. Born on May 2, 1934, in Laredo, Texas, Antonio's life was a testament to the enduring spirit of kindness and adventure that he embodied every day. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

Antonio's journey began in the vibrant community of Laredo where he was raised with a spirit of resilience and a heart full of dreams. His early years were filled with the rich culture and traditions of Texas, which he carried with him throughout his life. Antonio's path led him to a distinguished career with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, where he dedicated 40 years of service. His commitment to excellence and his strong work ethic were evident to all who worked alongside him. Upon his well-deserved retirement, Antonio sought new horizons and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he enjoyed two and a half years of exploration and leisure. However, the call of family brought him back to Texas, where he settled in Alice to be closer to his loved ones. It was here that Antonio spent his golden years, surrounded by the warmth of his family and the community he adored. Antonio's journey through life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family and the joy he found in simple pleasures. He was a man who wore his heart on his sleeve, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand. His love for the Detroit Lions was as steadfast as his love for hunting and the thrill of playing the lottery, pastimes that brought him great happiness and excitement. Though he is preceded in death by his beloved son, Baby Antonio Martinez; his daughters, Kellean Martinez and Elda De La Garza; his granddaughter, Nola Morales, his parents, Antonio Martinez Sr. and Maria De Jesus Moreno; and his grandparents, Aurelio and Candelaria Martinez, who raised him after the untimely passing of his parents, Antonio's legacy continues through his surviving family. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his beloved wife of 46 years, Graciela Martinez; and his children, Michael Martinez Jr., Kerri Chapman, Antonette Reyna (Danny), and Ernesto Lee Morales (Edna). His spirit will also live on in the hearts of his 16 grandchildren, who will remember their grandfather as a pillar of love and kindness. As we bid farewell to Antonio, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey filled with love, laughter, and the courage to face each new day with optimism. He will be profoundly missed, yet his influence will continue to guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Antonio's family will receive condolences on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Trevino Funeral Home, 120 E. Front St., with Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, followed by Rite of Committal and Interment with Military Honors at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Alice, Texas.

To leave your condolences for the family of Antonio Martinez Jr., share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.