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BORN
1924
DIED
2020
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Jessie Martinez Obituary
Jessie Louis Martinez
MERRILLVILLE, IN - Lou passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday July 21, 2020, in Merrillville, IN. He was born August 5, 1924 in Ponca City, Okla. His mother died when he was 4 years old and his father then moved the family to Gary, IN. Unable to care for the children while he worked, his father placed Lou and his brother in the Carmelite Home for Boys in Hammond, IN and his two sisters in the Carmelite Home for girls in East Chicago, IN. Louis attended St. Joseph's School while in Hammond, IN. When Lou was 12 years old his father brought him and his brother to Gary to live with him. Lou then attended school but quit when he was 16 and went to work to earn enough money to bring his sisters home, but WWII intervened, and he enlisted in the Army.
Lou was assigned to the 264th Field Artillery Battalion and received his basic training at Camp Swift, TX, and became a Gunner on an 8' Howitzer. After completing basic training his unit went on maneuvers in LA. and then went to Camp Hood, TX for further training. From there they were shipped to Europe, where they participated in numerous campaigns including the Battle of Northern France, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland, and Central Europe. Louis attained the Rank of Sergeant while in the service.
Louis worked in Gary for Taylor Forge for 18 years and after the plant closed, he operated an auto body repair shop until he retired. During this period he also worked for his son Joe at Archie's Auto Recyclers in Merrillville. Lou was an avid sports fan and lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Louis always considered himself blessed with the beautiful family God presented him with.
Lou is survived by his two sons: Louis (Pat) Martinez, and Joseph (Melissa) Martinez, his three daughters: Yolanda (Robert) Santos, Lisa (Richard) Mazzio, and Laure Jean (Timothy) Gilliam. He is survived by his five granddaughters: Michele (Timothy) Jurgens, Cheryl (Craig) Taylor, Linda (Ryan) Montgomery, Sara Martinez and Bianca Marie Martinez. In addition, he survived by his great grandchildren - his four great grandsons: Timothy and Zachary Jurgens, Andrew Taylor, and Jasper Montgomery; and his four great granddaughters: Kayla McCabe, Madison Taylor, Jessica Jurgens, and Lilah Jane Montgomery.
Louis is preceded in death by his parents, Estefania and Pedro Martinez; his brothers: Pete Contreras, Leonard Martinez, Tony Sanchez, Joe Moore, John Sanchez, Benny Sanders, James Sanders; in addition to his sisters: Conception (Frank Pancho) Sanchez, Flora Gonzalez, Pauline Sanchez Prieto, Mary Lou Martinez, and Frances Martinez; and most recently, his beloved wife of 62 years, Helen Martinez of Merrillville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jessie Martinez
Kelley
July 29, 2020
I didn't know Jessie but what a inspirational life story. Bless his family and deepest condolences.
Jennie Festa
July 28, 2020
Joe, Missy and family, Jean and I send our sincere condolences at the passing of your Father. With the exception of being a St Louis Cards fan, he must have been an amazing person to help raise a good son like Joe. May the love of family and friends surround you during this difficult time.
Earl Mager Sr.
July 28, 2020
I knew Louis from the orphanage. Later in life, we reconnected through a Carmelite orphanage fundraiser. Mother Superior is waiting for Louis with open arms even though you didn’t eat all your oatmeal.
KEN VENTRELLA
July 27, 2020
Thank you
Diane Zych
July 26, 2020
What an amazing life! No other words could adequately describe the exemplary life that this decent man led. Dedicated to both family and country. May he so deservedly Rest In Peace.
Another Reader
Zagorka M James
July 26, 2020
Lou, Your Father's life is an inspiration to us all. To come from such humble beginnings and accomplish so much in a lifetime. A testament to the strength of the spirit and the commitment to family. My sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
Zagorka James
A reader
July 26, 2020
What an amazing life! This dear man endured so much challenge and yet led such a full life, giving his ALL to serve the cause of freedom in World War 2, being blessed with his family, hard work, and a sense of gratitude! I feel humbled reading this, because I who have so much haven't done nearly what he has! I am blessed to read about your dear Jessie, and I thank you for sharing some of his life with us. May God receive him through grace, and may God comfort all of you.
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Calumet Park Funeral Chapel and Crematory - Hobart/Portage370 N. County Line Rd., Hobart, IN 46342
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