Rogelio Martinez

We are here today to honor the life of Roger Martinez. Known to many as Rogelio as he was very proud of his family and to carry the name of his own father.

Rogelio was a strong man. He was strong in the ways that he loved his family. He was very close to his mother and stood by her side throughout her struggles in the hospital before she passed many years ago.

Rogelio himself struggled a journey in the passed 6 months in the hospital. Doctors gave us 5 death scares during that time. Very unexpectedly, Rogelio came out fighting after each one despite that doctors had told us he wouldn't make it. He was strong in his faith and belief that he would heal and return home to a normal life.
He fought and had a positive attitude til the very end when only at the last week of his life he surrendered and our Lord Jesus Christ took him hme to finally rest and struggle no more.

Rogelio, is survived by his 3 children, his first born, Roger III (the third), his only daughter, Kathryn Lynn and his youngest child and son, Abram.

He left his children with his faith, so many life lessons and the passions he had during his life.
Rogelio loved to dance. Particularly, to Elvis Presley songs. He was often called to the dance floor to perform his moves that mimicked Elvis. His daughter, Kathy excitedly requested him to dance Elvis at her own wedding because that was one of her favorite things about her dad.
She also holds memories of her childhood when her mom and dad Rogelio would very often have friends gather at thier home for drinks and laughs and it always ended with mariachi music and her father, Roger in the center of the den dancing to Elvis.

Roger's passions included the love for his pets and dogs in general. His favorites were German Shepherds and Boxers. He shared his passion for watching dog shows with his kids. He also loved the Astros.
Every time a game was on tv Roger would call or text all 3 of his kids with the updates. All of them were happy to reply with such words as, Go Astros, Good game, Dad! And his sons would cheer along with him calling Roger "Pops". That was their nickname for him. "Way to go, Pops" was a phrase heard between them always.

His daughter, Kathy was blessed to have taken Roger, a few years back on Father's Day to a live Astros game along with her husband. She said that the look on her father's face at the game was one she will never forget.and Roger raved about that day from then on out.

Rogelio, is also survived by his son in law, Severo who was just like a son to him, being by his side for over 30 years of his life. Rogelio, called on him for everything and happily his son in law was there to help each and every time. In return Rogelio gave fatherly advise from the bottom of his heart and prayed for his daughter's and son in laws family always and continuously gave words of encouragement and praises what a good family they had made.
He is also survived by his daughter in law, Lisa who was very supportive during Rogelio's later years. She was the one he'd go to for tech savvy support as we all need as we get older. Lisa was there to help.
He has 6 grandchildren and a great grandson on the way. Roger bragged about his grandchildren to everyone…"My Christopher" he called his first grandson, "My Nady" he referred to his youngest, Nadya, "Que Chula Mi Meir-le" is what he always said about his youngest sons daughter and he was so proud of all the success his 3 grandchildren had whom all live in Austin, Ariel, Andi and Bryce.
Roger got to enjoy some of the simple joys of life in his later years. He was so proud of his last vehicle he purchased. He drove around every evening when there was not many people out in the streets. And he and his best friend, Beatriz would ride around and listen to oldies music and Elvis on his truck radio and view their old neighborhoods.
He also loved a freshly mowed yard. He would sit out on his porch gazing at his yard after it had been mowed. It would make him so happy and proud to see his lawn taken care of. And his home where he resided was built by his father in 1969. His father ran a drive through store there then later built an apartment on top where Roger moved into.
The church where he prayed and worshipped and also where his daughter Kathy was married was right across the street from his house. Many family members at one time or another lived in that same property. Rogelio had many reasons to have loved that home the way he did.

What stood out most about Rogelio "Roger" Martinez was his faith, strengths of character and his beliefs. He stood firm for what he believed was right. Never wavering from what was in his heart and his dedication to his family. His faith carried him and it will carry us as we remember him today. The way he loved his own mother and father shaped the way he belived children should love their parents - which is an example of the commandment to honor our mother and father. May Rogelio's legacy be of his faith in Jesus Christ.

Scripture Reading – 2 Timothy chapter 4: verses 7-8

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

We ask that You bring peace to his family, strength to carry on his legacy of faith, and give us comfort in the days ahead. May we leave here holding tight to the good and giving You all the rest.

We entrust Roger now into Your eternal care, knowing he is at rest in Your presence.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.