Jose Martinez, Jr.

Jose Martinez Jr. age 67, of San Antonio, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 10, 2020, after an 18-year battle with ALS.  Jose was born on May 26, 1953 in San Antonio to Jose Sr. and Angelita Gonzalez Martinez.  Jose was the oldest of five children which naturally made him the one to assist with helping around the house and with his siblings.  He taught himself to drive by driving up and down the driveway and to his surprise, one day was asked to take his siblings to school, long before he ever officially was supposed to be driving.  Jose graduated from Burbank High School in 1972, where he played football – his big heart shined through with the regret he had anytime his team won because he felt so badly for the other team having to lose.

Through mutual friends, Jose met a bright-eyed young lady named Patricia Casillas – a high school friendship that quickly blossomed into so much more.  On March 24, 1973, Jose and Patricia were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church on the southside of San Antonio.  A marriage that began what would be a lifetime of laughter and love, and sometimes annoyance, with a comment to Patricia during the ceremony – “should we tell them we’re kidding?”  After nearly 48 years marriage, a lifetime of memories, and raising their children and grandchildren, she survives.

Jose joined the United State Air Force, without the permission of his parents, in 1972 where he would become a jet engine mechanic.  Jose proudly served his country for 20 years, seeing combat in Desert Shield, retiring as TSGT Jose Martinez, Jr.

Jose was a longtime member of the St. John Neumann Catholic Church.  Those who knew Jose best will remember him as a dedicated Airman who loved his country and his God but most importantly as a devoted husband and father who had a sense of humor that could make the worst situation funny.  Jose taught his girls that education was important as well as being able to use their hands to fix things.  As ALS began taking his motor skills, Jose spent more time teaching his girls how to perform tasks around the house – from electrical to plumbing, they had to learn it all.

To his girls, Jose was larger than life.  He loved to BBQ, almost too much, and the Dallas Cowboys.  Jose was never shy to spend as much time with his girls as possible, from playing football to boxing, Jose worked hard to be the best father he could.  He protected his girls with all he had and loved them even more.

Jose enjoyed much about life, from fixing things to growing plants, traveling and just being a husband and father.  When diagnosed with ALS, Jose dealt with the news and fought to live as long as he could, and never lost his sense of humor.  He learned to type messages with his eyes, a task that took much time to complete even simple messages, but even in the struggle to communicate, he never lost his sense of humor.

Jose leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication and perseverance that will live on the hearts of those he loved for generations to come.

Jose is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; children, Jennifer Herrera, and husband Michael, of Converse, Monica Chapman, and husband Michael, of Converse, Lynsey Ramirez, and husband Michael, of Selma; grandchildren, Jonathan Herrera, Iliana Herrera, Marissa Herrera, Martin Herrera, Evan Herrera, Shaun Herrera, Lucian Herrera, Oliver Chapman, Adam Chapman, Benicio Chapman, Joaquin Chapman, Isaac Chapman, Myla Ramirez, Elida Ramirez, Roman Ramirez, Troy Ramirez, and Tanya Ramirez; siblings, Rosie Moreno, and husband Pete, Dolores Ramos, Mary Fernandez, and husband Joe, and Jesse Martinez, and wife Becky, all of San Antonio; and by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and very special friends.

Jose was preceded in death by his beloved father, Jose Martinez, Sr. just four months ago.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association of Texas, in honor of Jose and the battle he fought.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jose Martinez, Jr. will be held at 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.   A military graveside will follow at Fort Sam National Cemetery with Joseph John Casillas, Jr., Michael Casillas, Ascencion Fernandez, Corey Huerta, Jay Anthony Martinez, Pete Moreno, Jr. Cody Rios, and Rudy Sanchez serving as pallbearers.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M., Tuesday evening, at the church, with the Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 P.M.