Jesus "Jesse" Martinez

Jesus "Jesse" Martinez, a lifelong resident of Seguin, TX, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2023, just shy of his 89th birthday. Known for his hard work ethic, kind heart, generous spirit, and unending love for his family, Jesse lived a life full of joy and fulfillment.

Born on September 16, 1934, in Seguin, Texas, Jesse lived all of his life in Seguin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Maria Martinez and brother, Manuel Jr., and his beloved wife of over 50 years, Juanita Martinez. He his survived by his younger brother, Jose “Joe” Martinez and his wife Mary; his children, Rafael H. Martinez and his spouse, Melissa Talamantes, Sylvia Henderson and her husband Rosendo Valadez, and Jesus "Jesse" Jr. and his wife Lidia Martinez.

Jesse was a proud grandfather to Sonia Marie, Bianca Laraine, Joe Anthony, William “BJ”, Daniela Paz, Alejandro Jesus, Joshua Israel, Breanna Lynne and his great-grandchildren Armando, Evelynn, Emily, Jada, Myla, Jazlyn, and Josiah. Jesse had one great-great-granddaughter Avianna.  He loved all of his grandchildren and spending time with them was one of his favorite activities, which brought him joy. His face lit up when they visited him.

He developed a strong work ethic at an early age helping his family tend to chores on a farm.  Jesse attended Juan Seguin Elementary School where he was inspired by one of the first Mexican American teachers in Seguin, Mrs. Oralia Rios Rodriguez. It was through her guidance and mentorship where he developed a love for learning and reading; however he, like many of his generation, had end his schooling to help his family with migrant work and sharecropping. As a young man, he found a job with KD Construction, where he worked for over 60 years, first in manual labor and then as a foreman until his retirement. He took pride in his work and was respected by those he supervised. In his job with KD, he built homes, schools, and commercial properties throughout Texas. 

Jesse was an ardent sports fan. He was a loyal supporter of the Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, and the San Antonio Spurs. His friends claimed he was a walking baseball encyclopedia. He could fix almost anything and enjoyed woodworking building benches and birdhouses after retirement. He also had an insatiable appetite for reading and kept up to date with current events. His lively discussions on political issues were a testament to his intelligence and his unwavering interest in the world around him. He always displayed a flag in his front porch, and he often voiced that despite all of this country’s struggles, this was the greatest country in the world.

Jesse was a man of many virtues, but it was his devotion to family, loving nature, kindness, generosity and sense of humor that truly defined him. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and never failed to make those around him feel loved and valued. He had a strong faith, which he relied on during the challenging times of his life, and he rarely complained. Being around his family was most important to him through out his life. His warm spirit will be deeply missed but will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.  In celebrating Jesse's life, we honor a man who gave so much to those around him. His legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Palmer Mortuary, 1116 N. Austin St., Seguin, TX from 4:00-7:00pm followed by a Rosary service at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 409 W. Krezdorn St. on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 11:00am followed by his internment at the Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park, 2951 TX-46, New Braunfels, TX.