August 10, 1940 – September 18, 2021

Eddie Martinez, 81, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 18, 2021.  Eddie was born August 10, 1940, in Port Arthur, Texas to John Martinez, Jr. and Delores Ortiz Martinez.

Eddie was raised in Port Arthur, Texas and later moved to Houston, Texas where he graduated from Houston Technical and Vocational High School in 1958.  He married his high school sweetheart, Lena, in 1960.  Eddie and Lena moved to Alvin, Texas in 1962.  Eddie began his 35-year career with Monsanto Chocolate Bayou Plant in March, 1962.  Eddie and Lena raised their five children in Alvin, Texas.  He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and 4^th Degree Knight in the Alvin-Manvel Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed helping his fellow knights with the Friday Fish Fries.  Eddie never met a stranger and was very active in the community, he coached little league football for many years, Alvin FFA Booster, Alvin High School Athletic Booster, Meals on Wheels, Prison Ministry, and Shiftless Sams Camping Club.  Eddie proudly supported his five children’s extracurricular activities, attending volleyball, football, basketball and track meets.  He also enjoyed helping his children with their 4-H and FFA show animals.  Eddie and Lena retired to Trinity, Texas, where he enjoyed playing rounds of golf and visits from his children and grandchildren.  Eddie also loved traveling with Lena, they went on several cruises and enjoyed big family vacations. In 2008, Eddie and Lena moved back to Alvin, Texas, to be closer to their growing family. 

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, John Martinez, Jr and Delores Ortiz Martinez, and his sister Jean Morado.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 61 years, Thelma “Lena” Martinez and their five children; Eddie S. Martinez and his wife, Laura, of Alvin, Texas; Candus Morgan of Alvin, Texas; Rebecca Vanek and her husband, Danny, of Ord, Nebraska; Bernadette Ashley and her husband, Larry of Anahuac, Texas; and Monica Morgan and her husband, Charles of Pearland, Texas, his grandchildren: Robert Amrhein (Jeannie) and family; Brian Amrhein (Wendy) and family, Nichole White (Donnie) and Alexus; Christina Morgan; Carson Morgan; Larry Ashley III (Jess) and family; Kenny Ashley (Emily); Nicole Bird; Meredith Ashley; John Wayne Ashley; and Marisa Lawrence, his brothers: Thomas Martinez (Vicki); Richard Martinez (Victoria); Robert Martinez (Cecilia), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Everyone knew Eddie loved sports, especially football.  Every summer he took his family on long camping trips, always stopping at the Oiler training camp on the way back.  Since 1960, Eddie was an Oiler season ticket holder, then a Texans season ticket holder.  He attended his last Texans home game on August 28, 2021, a family tradition until the very end.  Eddie and his great sense of humor will be missed by many.    

A Rosary will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 110 E. South Street, Alvin, Texas 77511, with Deacon Allen Stanton officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Honorary donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinson.org. Deliveries of plants or flowers may be made to 2301 Shady Cove Court, Pearland, Texas 77584.

Condolences may be sent to the Martinez family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.