To Celebrate a Life of Love: Carlos G. Martinez
March 20, 1928 – January 16, 2016
Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Carlos “Marty” Martinez, passed away in the presence of his family in San Antonio, Texas after a long fight with lung cancer. Marty was a proud combat veteran, serving around the world and staying active with several retirees and veteran organizations. He moved to San Antonio in 2011 and made many friends and happy memories while living at the Towers.
Marty was born in Tucson, AZ to Carlos and Luz Martinez, later moving to El Paso after his father passed away and his mother was remarried to Antonio Campas. Marty attended school in El Paso and joined the Navy at age 17 during WWII. Following 4 years in the Navy, he returned to El Paso and later reentered the service in the Air Force. He served for another 22 years active duty, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He married Ruth Spann in 1952 and they had 6 children. The family lived throughout the United States and overseas, including Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Washington, Arizona and the Philippines.
Marty was a three war veteran serving in combat during WWII, Korea and two tours in Vietnam. He served aboard the USS Chepachet, AO78, in the Pacific during WWII and later on the USS Fitch, DD462. He served in Vietnam, first with the 405th FW and next with the 14th SOW. His other assignments included Libya, the Philippines, England and Alaska. He retired from the USAF in Tucson, AZ and continued to serve there in civil service at MASDC. He travelled frequently to both Air Force and Navy annual reunions and more recently with the Three War Veteran’s Association. He travelled to Washington, DC with Alamo Honor Flight 7, greatly enjoying the comradery and chance to revisit the Memorials. He remained active with the local Honor Flight and strongly supported their efforts to include all remaining veterans.
Marty is survived by his brother and sisters; Mercy, Luis, Evy, and Mary. His children and their spouses are Tony, Patricia & Kenn, Robert, Anna & Lou, and Mary & Mark. His grandchildren are Nevada, Garrett, Shannon, Raymond, Carlos, Gilbert, Ben, Katie, Victoria, Nathaniel, Colin, Cole, & Reina. His great-grandchildren are Devon, Hadleigh, Taylor, Jayson, Tyler, Kyle, Valerie, Emma, Augustine and Mariah.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jose and Lito, his son, Gilbert, his daughter-in-law, Linda and his ex-wife Ruth.
Services
A grave side service will be held at FT Sam Houston National Cemetery on 29 January at 2:00pm with a reception following at The Towers at Park Lane.
Mass will be held 28 January at 7:30 pm at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on De Zavala Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Honor Flight San Antonio de Valero at http://honorflightsanantonio.org/donate/