Tony Jesus Martinez, 64, of Watauga died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, at South Padre Island, while saving his wife. Funeral: 3 p.m. Monday at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Keller, Rev. Samuel Boman officiating. Visitation: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel. Tony was born May 3, 1947, in North Platte, Neb. He was the eldest child of Jesse and Babe Martinez. He attended college at the University of Nebraska for three years where he played in the marching band, participating in two Orange Bowl games. Tony was a musician during his early years living in Nebraska. After moving to Texas in the late '70s, he began working in the construction industry. He spent the next 30 years as a self-employed general remodeling contractor. Tony loved the outdoors, especially water sports. He was a passionate musician and played the bass, saxophone and piano. Tony was a devoted fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. Tony was elected precinct chairman for the Republican Party for Precinct 3194 and served for 26 years. Tony was a strong Christian and devoted husband and loving father. He was a kind and generous man who was always willing to help those in need. Tony's family would like to thank the Hartigan family, the Taylor family, the Day family, Suzanne's HUD co-workers, and all others who have offered support. "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes"-Romans 1:16. Tony Jesus Martinez, loving husband, father and grandfather. Survivors: Tony is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his sons, Joel, Joshua, Ethan and Seth; his grandchildren, Connor, Mya and Naomi; and his siblings, Carmen, Tracy and Marty.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Sep. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Tony Martinez

25 Entries

Linda (Feller) Bergmeier

October 6, 2011

Suzanne and Family, Please know that my thoughts and prayers have been with you since reading the sad news about Tony and also about what you went through. I hope you will be able to get some rest and just know that I really care. We were good friends especially in Band and will always remember those days at NPHS. I would like to get your address when you have a moment. Take care!

October 5, 2011

Suzanne, I just heard last night. I am so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Tony from our band days. I am happy to hear he was a Christian, kept with the music and the Huskers. God Bless you and all your family. Stan Murphy, Woodward OK

MARVIN DONNELLY

October 2, 2011

Suzanne, I am deeply and personally hurt and shocked with the news about for the loss of Tony. It seems that sometimes we find out all too late about our friends and their families and the sorrow that they are experiencing.
You may remember me from our North Platte high School class of 1966. I was a personal friend of Tony all during the years he played with the high school band, the jazz band, and the orchestra. I remember his father telling me to keep on playing my horn and enjoy what I was doing. Tony's Grandfather and Grandmother lived only a block from me - out on west Front Street.
If there is anything I can help with - feel free to let me know. I'll miss him and I do miss playing with that band! I have kept up my playing though! Still playing a trombone and have also picked up the clarinet.
So - My sympathy to you and to the kids. He will not be forgotten.

Marv Donnelly,
I now live in Hershey!

Raffy Aladro

September 28, 2011

Suzanne:

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember you and Tony when my life long friend Debbie (Aaron and Briley's Mom) lived on Melinda. Tony did some work at my house, and to this day; I enjoy the great work he did. Please know that the Lord comforts all. It has been a while since I've seen you probably since the 80's, but I always remember you when I visited Debbie. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. God bless you all.

Patirck Rivera

September 14, 2011

Tony was my cousin and I really did not know him to well, he was much older than me. But I have his family in my prayers. RIP cousin, much love.

Jim & Rachel Sutton

September 14, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and the family, Suzanne in the coming days and months ahead. We are saddened by the loss of Tony. This memory of his sacrificial love for you will always be a blessing and a great encouragement for many that will hear of it. Rachel and I love you all and look forward to having time together in the future!

Debra Sampey

September 13, 2011

Suzanne, I was saddened to hear of your loss. No words can ease your sorrow but the love of you children and family and remembering the good times you had together will help. Above all, trust in GOD that one day you will be reunited with Tony.

LOIS NICHOLSON

September 13, 2011

MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS SAD TIME, ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT TIME AND JESUS HEAL ALL HURTS. YOU WILL ALL BE TOGETHER 1 DAY

John Konderla Jr.

September 12, 2011

No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for a friend. No greater friend hath a man than his wife. Know that Tony will not abandon you now after saving you then. He will always be beside you as he is beside our Lord. You and yours are in our prayers.

Sam Obanigba

September 12, 2011

May the Almighty God, the God of comfort be your comfort at this time of loss. May Tony's soul rest in perfect peace.
Sam Obanigba

Randy Hilton

September 12, 2011

Suzanne - If I had to pick one word for Tony it would be "passion." We fought many battles together - and did a few construction jobs as well - and I could always count on him because he was driven by a passion that didn't look to the right or left but to the challenges ahead. I'm very glad he was on my side. Randy Hilton

Linda Hervey

September 12, 2011

Suzanne,may the Peace of our Lord Jesus, cover you and your family at this time. You have our prayers and love.

Kim Erdmann

September 12, 2011

Suzanne, I cannot image what you are going through. May God surround your family and you with love, grace, peace, and strength during this difficult time. I cannot stop thinking about this tragic accident. When times get tough, I am just a call away. We know Tony is in heaven celebrating his homecoming. Thoughts & Prayers Kim Erdmann

Johnny Evans

September 12, 2011

Go with God my Friend.

Ronnie, Linda & Gary Bradford

September 11, 2011

Suzanne and family, we are saddened to hear of Tony's death. We will miss seeing him at the Republican Party conventions where he served so faithfully through the years. He had a heart for reaching out to others. We are praying for you during this time of loss and grief that God will give you His peace and comfort. "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" Matthew 5:4.

Warren Norred

September 11, 2011

Suzanne, I did not know Tony well, having met him only a few times, but his example is one that I will always remember. My prayers are with you.

Tim & Thela (TJ) Hotchkin

September 11, 2011

We did not know Tony & his family. The disregard for his own life to save his wife's says it all. He's truly a person we would have enjoyed knowing. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Suzanne & the rest of his family & friends.

Will & Nita Watson

September 11, 2011

Dear Suzanne and sons. I was honored to have all of you in my life. Tony was a wonderful musician and hard worker. Now he's playing nrforewith our heavenlyprayers Father. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Cruz &Martha Hernandez

September 11, 2011

Suzanne and family, we were so shocked but at the same time so comforted because we know the kind of man Tony was and his love for his Savior as well as for his family. Cruz and I will miss him much. May the Joy of the LORD be with you all always.

DeAnne Williams

September 11, 2011

My heart and prayers go out to Tony's family. I worked with Suzanne several years ago and she often spoke of her family so I feel I know them. My thoughts and prayers to all all of Tony's family.

gail Raley

September 11, 2011

Suzanne and boys, My hear goes out to you at this time of Tony's passing. Tony was a great guy and Richard and I truly loved him and your whole family. We were blessed because Tony touched our lives. The Raley family holds you in our prayers. I know that Richard was among the welcoming committee when Tony arrived in that place we all want to go to. Love and prayers Gail

Joshua Martinez

September 11, 2011

For those of you who are not aware of the circumstances surrounding how my father passed on here is the link to the South Padre local news that listed the article. Thank you all for your kindness and loving support during this time. It is very much appreciated.

~Joshua

http://www.krgv.com/content/news/story/Man-Drowns-Saving-Wife/sizc7FaDQki_Xs3QdnNS8w.cspx

September 11, 2011

Blessed to have known Tony. Always a willing heart to help and do for others. My thoughts and prayers for Suzanne and family in their hour of sorrow. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress my God; in Him will I trust." Ps 91:1-2

September 11, 2011

While I did not personally know tony, I honor his courage and his past achievements.I did not see the facts of how he died, but saving his wife was a very brave deed, We pray for his family, as Tony is now Home.
Al and Ann Tallant

MARLA and JOHN BARINA

September 10, 2011

We will always remember Tony....a supportive,"real" friend....a great person who always tried to make the world a better place for those around him...May the good Lord bless his family...we know Tony is now in a better place......he will certainly be missed.

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