Alphonso Vallejo "Poncho" Martinez

1949 - 2025

Odessa - Alphonso Vallejo Martinez, 76, passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.

Alphonso was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Delia Vallejo and Felix Martinez on May 27, 1949. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps with 1st Force Recon, 1st Marine Division, completing two combat tours in Vietnam, including the Tet Offensive, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

After his service, Alphonso built a distinguished healthcare career spanning decades as a Respiratory Therapist, Pediatric Specialist, Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), and Registered Nurse. He served as Director of the Respiratory Care Department at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Critical Care Coordinator at Medical Center Hospital, and Assistant Department Head for the Respiratory Care department. He established the hospital's Sleep Studies Lab and became one of only five Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT) in the State of Texas. He later worked as a Charge Nurse at Desert Springs Behavioral Hospital and the Ector County Youth Detention Center.

Alphonso was a devoted Christian and was baptized earlier this year in front of his family. He is remembered for his lifelong mission of caring for youth and those in crisis, and for his strength, humility, compassion, community service, and deep love for his family.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Martinez of 49 years; children Tracy Dawson, Jesse Martinez, Selma Martinez, Eric Martinez, and Chris Martinez, grandchildren Mariah, Aleixys, Ethan, Abbey, David, Lourdes, Havan, Moses, Natalie, and Sirena; and siblings Chayo Vela and Rudy Romero.

Rest in peace, Marine.

Semper Fi.