Doroteo "Dory" Martinez Sr.

Doroteo Martinez, Sr., 82, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, in New Braunfels, surrounded by his children.

Born in Abilene, Texas, on November 8, 1943, Dory was the youngest of José and Juana Martinez’s 10 children. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1961. In 1963, Dory and his mother moved to San Antonio to live with his sister Rebecca and her husband Lionel. After graduating from the police academy, he joined the San Antonio Police Department. In 1967, Dory and his young family moved to Virginia, where he worked as a carpenter with the Local Carpenter’s Labor Union. In 1971, they moved to Alice, Texas, where Dory joined the Alice Police Department. In 1973, he was hired by the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where he worked for the next 33 years, retiring in 2006.

Dory was a devout Christian, having accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age, and he attended church regularly.

He developed a love of golf from his early days as a caddy at the Abilene Country Club. Dory also excelled in carpentry and woodworking, having learned the trade as a carpenter. In addition, he enjoyed cooking and baking.

Dory delighted in his role as uncle to numerous nephews and nieces. In a recent exchange of text messages between the girl cousins, there was a friendly rivalry where each one bragged on being told by Uncle Dory that they were the most beautiful and his favorite!

When he lived and worked in Dallas, he grew close to his sister Anita’s grandchildren, assuming the role of grandfather, more than that of an uncle. He attended all their recitals, concerts, and ball games.

In 2013, when Dory was suffering from kidney failure, his daughter Laura willingly donated one of her kidneys to him. Her loving and generous gift prolonged his life for an additional 12 years.

Dory is survived by his sister Rebecca Martinez and his brother Antonio Martinez; his children Adrian R. Martinez, Laura L. Jordan, Jennifer R. Martinez, and Doroteo Martinez, Jr.; stepchildren John Ramirez and Damien Ramirez; 14 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, as well as his beloved pets: his dog Trigger and his cat Rocky.

Dory was dearly loved by his friends and family, and he will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held at Primera Iglesia Bautista Abilene, 422 N. Treadaway Blvd., Abilene, Texas, at 10:00 a.m. on February 21, 2026. Rev. David Garza will officiate. Following the service, interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery, 5750 US-277, Abilene, Texas.