Valentine Martinez

Valentine Martinez peacefully left his earthly residence to enter his eternal home on Friday, January 21, 2022, at the age of 61. He was born on February 14, 1960 to Epifanio Martinez, Jr. and Socorro Gonzales Martinez. He enjoyed camping during Easter at Canyon Lake with his family and fishing at the coast and local spots. Music was his passion; listening to it for hours and all types. He was gifted to play the trumpet. He used his gift to play and perform with the New Braunfels Mighty Unicorn Marching Band, the mariachi choir (OLPH) , taught private lessons, and performed and recorded with a local tejano band. His proudest moment was at his daughter's Quinceanera: the father/daughter dance, dancing to a song he had been a part of recording. He loved attending his grandchildren's band or choir concerts. Oh, he was such a proud Grandpa-Popo! To see them perform brought the music alive in him. He was credited for all of his grandchildren being musically inclined and gifted. Val was a sports fan; Spurs, Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Longhorns and Unicorns were his favorite teams. He shared his passion with his son, where they would always text on details of the games. They attended several games together, including Beltre's 3,000 hit. He cherished those times together. He enjoyed his baby girl's cooking; after clearing his plate he always made sure to tell her, "that was good mama." He played in a local pool league, where his team won the championship and advanced to play in Las Vegas. He believed in working hard and instilling that into his children. The one job he bragged about was taking part in building the famous Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn Waterpark and being the first person to ever ride it. He made sure to share that story with his grandkids. When he was no longer able to work he kept us well informed on the news, weather, sports and upcoming shows. He couldn't go anywhere without someone knowing him. He wasn't a big man in size, nor was he a man of many words, but he had a big heart that spoke volumes. He loved his children and grandchildren; they were his pride and joy. He was very proud of each one of them. May his legacy live on through them. His final wish for his children and grandchildren would be, go for it! Go do, go be, go have what I wasn't able to achieve and more, the sky's the limit. He loved and cherished his one and only sibling, his Queen sister. If he could have, he would have given her all the benefits and privileges of being a royal queen. He was so grateful for being home again, to live out his remaining time with her. His famous questions to her were, "Did you get me a donut? Did you bring me some cookies?" She'd laugh and say no, but he knew her next trip to the store, sis was gonna show up with his donuts and cookies. He loved his son-in-law like his very own. Through their 18 year relationship many memories were made and a special bond had been developed between them. He left knowing his baby girl was in good hands and would be well taken care of. He felt comfortable and at ease with his daughter-in-law, comfortable enough to pop open a cold one. His two day visit turned into a two week stay, hospitality was great. Even though it was a short time relationship, the memories that were made were full of laughter. He received, accepted and loved his daughter-in-law as well as his grandson, as his own. He held a special place in his heart for the mother of his three grandchildren. As his wife, I thank God for allowing me to walk alongside with him in this adventure of never a dull moment. I wouldn't change a thing about our story. We have successfully completed our marriage vows, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness or in health, till death to us part. Till we meet again, you will truly be missed my love. As he entered Heaven's Gates, he was greeted by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, his parents, Epi and Socorro Martinez (He was so ready to see them) and many family members and friends. He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Mary C. Machuca Martinez; son, Jeffrey Martinez (Melissa); daughter, Valerie Nicole Gloria (Ruben); his sister Mary Elizabeth Cantu (Paul). He was Grandpa Val to Jaron, Nate and Amaya Martinez, and David Herrera. He was Popo to Zyana Gloria. He also leaves one uncle, three aunts, five brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law (one who was his babysitter), many nieces and nephews, whom he dearly loved; many cousins and friends, several whom he considered as brothers and extended family. Services will be on Saturday February 5, 2022 at Lux Funeral Home. Viewing will be from 5:30-9:00 PM. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM by his cousin Brenda Soto. Immediately following the Rosary, Carmelita Carr will officiate a memorial service. Masks are required at request of the family. On behalf of the Martinez, Gloria, and Cantu Families, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone for the love and support shown to us through word, deed or action, thank you! We would also like to thank all of the staff of Christus Santa Rosa Hospital of NB, Clinica Familiar, Rahul Bose, MD, the firemen, paramedics, police officers and chaplain for their service and care. Thank you to our church families, Tree of Life Church and First United Pentecostal Church. A special thank you to Lux Funeral Home and staff for the extraordinary service and care from start to finish.