Tomas C. Martinez Jr., 64, was called to the glory of our Lord on February 18, 2015, in Tucson, Arizona. They say legends never die; they live on forever. To become a legend is a difficult feat; frankly, unattainable. Maybe that’s why we have so few of them. Forever remembered, always admired, and greatly celebrated. Legends go off the beaten path, they make their choices based on love and passion, not fear.
Although they may be afraid at heart, legends move forward with courage. A legend must strive for the unreachable and combat difficult feats and push limitations. Heroic in nature, a legend inspires all whom he meets. Never forgotten, their stories are fondly retold. We are completely honored to be a part of Tomas C. Martinez Jr.'s legacy, and, with this, we share his tale.
Tomas entered the world on January 1, 1951, and, upon arrival, he overcame complications during his birth. He began to bless us with his presence, regardless of what doctors told his parents. He was left with scars on his head; basically, reminders that, against all odds he was born to do the impossible. The firstborn in a family of five children, he grew up in a small farming community in Saragosa, Texas.
Being the son of a cotton farmer in a town of unpromising circumstances did not lessen the riches of love and support he received. Tomas was placed in “low first grade” because Spanish was his first language. During first grade, he earned the respect of his teacher and classmates and was voted class favorite. His first steps of entrepreneurship commenced in high school as a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA), and he worked hard to balance school with other extra-curricular activities, such as football and basketball. Because of his charisma and charm, he was considered the "football beau" by cheerleader nomination. Close to H.S. graduation, he sought the advice of his counselor to acquire information about higher education. He was encouraged to enlist in the military, but instead, he pursued his college education. Being aware of his own capabilities and because of his determination and curiosity, he was eventually accepted into Sul Ross State University upon his graduation from Pecos High School in 1969.
As the legend continued, Tomas made a mark at college, elected Class President of the Student Council at Sul Ross State University. During his term as President, he had a jukebox placed in the school cafeteria. Despite enjoying college success, he realized he wasn’t fulfilled after laying eyes on a college cheerleader, the same gal who was voted “best legs on campus.” This is the gal whose long dark hair and confidence spoke of exuberance. In his mind, this sort of affluence was unattainable, but his charming personality earned the love of this girl, who is now the love of his life, his wife Dianne G. Martinez.
Now presented with a new pursuit of happiness, he married his lady on August 11, 1972, and received their first blessing the following February. With even greater passion, he finalized his university studies and graduated college in 1974 with a degree in Business Administration. He was exposed to the business of mortuary science through his father-in-law. His strong interest in the mortuary industry led him to capitalize his career in mortuary affairs. He then attended and graduated from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, Texas, where he was also elected Class President. He received his funeral director and embalmer’s licenses in November 30, 1977.
Appreciative of the experience he earned by working under his father-in-law, Donato B. Guajardo, he knew he was destined for greater things. At the age of 33, in February 1984, he moved his wife and now 4 daughters to Odessa, Texas, to establish his own business, known as Martinez Funeral Chapels. One of his many acknowledgments started with earning the recognition of “Business Man of the Year” by the Black Chamber of Commerce. His public recognition fell aside aT the birth of his sons, with his pride growing more solid to his family. His aspiration to provide more for his family carried his business across state borders, investing in Arizona.
The rich Hispanic culture throughout Southern Arizona captivated his attention and catered to his persona. He opened his second funeral home in Tucson, Arizona, in February 1999, and in 2002, he opened the doors to another funeral home in Nogales, Arizona. Proud to be part of South Tucson and the Southern Arizona community, he participated and sponsored numerous charitable events. His generous heart led him to donate services to children who lost their lives through abuse and neglect. The love for innocence drove him to sponsor Christmas toy drives and cater meals to less fortunate children of the community. His generosity extended to more people than words can outline.
Aside from the multiplicity of recognitions and involvement in the community, his rooted humbleness remained. He valued moments that brought family and friends together, such as barbequing, preparing menudo, chile colorado, and his specialty, smoking a brisket. His public reception of cooking gratified him greatly to the extent of acquiring a Food Handler’s Permit to continue his pastime without a barrier.
His abundance of energy led him to find fulfillment in speed and intensity. Through motorcycle rides and rallies, his fascination grew. He found a family of friends through people who shared the same passion, eventually becoming a part of the ‘Los Vatos,’ whom he loved and cared for.
He acknowledged that a pattern of blessings seemed to always approach him in February. In that month, he welcomed his firstborn daughter, inaugurated his first funeral home, welcomed the birth of his first son, opened the doors to his Arizona funeral home, and was blessed with his first granddaughter. The Lord decided to transition his legendary spirit from the material world to his paradise on February 18, 2015. It’s unfortunate to lose the leader of the pack, it leaves hurt to the ones left behind. Just like a leader, he paved the way for us to follow; first in birth and first in death.
We now mourn the legend and are left with his legacy. Tomas C. Martinez Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Dianne G. Martinez; four daughters, Tamye M. Espinosa, Crissy A. Martinez, Farrah L. Martinez, Lorrina Y. Martinez (Renie); two sons, Tomas C. Martinez III (T.J.), JoeRonn R. Martinez; two granddaughters, Cayden Martinez and Demi Hernandez; and three grandsons, Gianni Kash Espinosa, Destin Martinez, and Jaxon Sanchez. Also survived by his siblings; two brothers, Rodolfo (Rudy) Martinez and Isaac Martinez; two sisters, Florinda Gallego and Elodia Garcia. He also leaves behind a son-in-law, Charles Eric Espinosa, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and several nephews, nieces, and another extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tomas C. Martinez Sr. and Virginia C. Martinez, and a niece, Johanna Martinez.
In representation of his modesty, in the words of the legend himself: “My family and friends speak volumes of me; in reality, I am just a little ol’ man from Saragosa, Texas.”
