Jose Manuel "Meme" Martinez

Jose Manuel “Meme” Martinez Sr., 68, was surrounded by his loving family as he passed away on Friday, October 4, 2019.

He was a proud graduate of the J.W. Nixon High School Class of 1970. While studying at Nixon High School, Meme participated in the JROTC and band programs. After graduation he enlisted, and served, in the United States Marine Corps where he obtained the rank of Corporal. Shortly after completing his enlistment, he joined the United States Army Reserves. During this time, he served under the 850th Collection and Class Service Company and obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class.

In 1977, he graduated from Laredo Junior College with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. In 1992, he graduated from Laredo State University with a Masters of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. He applied all his studies to his work in the field of Law Enforcement. He served as a Webb County Juvenile Probation Officer, Laredo Police Officer, and finally as Chief Deputy Sheriff for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to proudly serving our country, he was an active volunteer with numerous charitable organizations throughout our community. Meme was also a very active parishioner of San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 9626 and parish choir. He also served as a crossing guard for the Religious Education Program. In his spare time, Meme enjoyed spending time with his family, singing and playing guitar, hunting and fishing. He was an exceptional husband, father, son and brother and will be greatly missed by all who love him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Guadalupe Martinez Jr., his paternal grandparents, Elisa and Guadalupe Martinez Sr., and maternal grandparents, Aurora and Alberto Gutierrez.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 45 years, Bernice Marie Soulas Martinez, his daughter Kassandra Marie Martinez-Harmon, his son Jose Manuel (Roxana) Martinez Jr., his son Christopher Emmanuel Martinez and three grandchildren: William J. Harmon, Savannah M. Harmon, and Trina R. Martinez. In addition, he is survived by his mother, Lucila G. Martinez, his siblings, G. Bertha (Adan) Perez, Ricardo (Diana) Martinez Sr., Lucilla (Armando) Gonzalez, Rosalinda Martinez and mother-in-law Elma L. (+Zeferino) Soulas. Also left to cherish his memory are numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Winder Vasquez and Dr. Fernando Sanchez, along with the Nurses and Respiratory Therapists of Doctor’s Hospital ICU Unit B, for all their loving care and attention during Meme’s hospital stay. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten.

The family will receive guests Wednesday, October 9, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Drive, Laredo, Texas. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am. Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corps.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, TX 78041, (956) 723-3611. You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com