Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Sam Martinez Obituary
September 6, 1937 - February 24, 2022
Sam Martinez was a father, educator, story teller, self proclaimed Mayor of 13th Street, collector of cans and purveyor of fine antiquities, many purchased for under a dollar. They say home is where the heart is, but Sam's was at Why Not Antiques. You could put a quarter in the juke box and listen to golden oldies, have a hot dog and a cold one, spend your last cent, and always feel like family.
He was preceded in death by parents, Josefina Castillo de Martinez and Andrés Martinez. He is survived by daughters, Rebecca Briggs and Mara Martinez; son, John Martinez; and grandson, Cameron Martinez.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Tuesday, March 1, at 5pm at Westlawn-Hillcrest.
Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home
5701 Center St. 402-556-2500 westlawnhillcrest.com
Memories and Condolences
for Sam Martinez
Sponsored by Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home.
Ramon Esponoza
April 6, 2022
Rest Easy, you will always live in my heart. Thank you for all your kindness.
Pam hoselton
March 1, 2022
Oh I am so sorry to hear this, Sam was a very special person and I used to love to sit and listen to his stories.What a sweetheart he was. I know he will be missed for sure.
Connie Doumis
March 1, 2022
We had 50 years of history.
I will miss you. Love you Sam. You were a big influence in my life. Now rest in peace.
Amy Hamblin
February 28, 2022
Mr. Martinez was my homeroom teacher through junior high. I always looked forward to seeing what crazy antics he would come up with each day. Mornings were never boring. He had nicknames for all of us. He was always kind and never cruel. I always think of him fondly.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Chasity (Schickner) McAtee
February 28, 2022
So sorry to hear of Sam's passing! I had done a search of Mrs. Martinez many yrs ago and was sorry to find that she passed away as well. Sam was a very charismatic teacher & a great person! I also babysat you kids when you were little & I was in high school, in your Mom's French class. I know you wouldn't remember me now. It's been too many years. But you guys had great parents. A great father Sam was! He loved you guys deeply, this I know. I am sure he will be missed. My heart & prayers are with you all.
Sandra Clark
February 27, 2022
So sorry hes gone but he lives on in many ppls life. He was a favorite of mine many memories. He's one of the few teachers that l think of off and on. Made the days of school alot more fun.
Marsha Mowry-Culbertson
February 27, 2022
Thinking of you and yours. Former student from Wilson Jr High.
ed kermoade
February 27, 2022
sam was our 8th grade spanish teacher at wilson jr high. my mom did a long term sub for our original spanish teacher teacher (who had a baby) and sam came in full time at semester. he was amazing and when he thought we were acting up, he would say that we were "mickey mousing around". so we bought him a mickey mouse shirt at the end of the school year! later i taught at wilson and enjoyed working with him. always a smile to make everybody's day better! and he told me that his son and i share the same april 7th bday.
Nikki Petry
February 27, 2022
Mara and John, you probably dont remember me, i babysat you 2 when u were small and i was a sr in your dads spanish class, we kept in touch here and there over the years. Im so honored to of had your family in my life, and sam, what an amazing guy, i sure am going to miss him although i havent seen him now in over 10 yrs and was missing him already! My deepest condolences, your in my heart!
Blessings, Nikki
Cole Puls
February 27, 2022
Sam was like second father in many ways to me. I spent countless hours at the "shop" with he and fellow teachers, business owners, and customers. He always asked, " how are you my boy?" You will be missed.
David & Nancy Greif
February 27, 2022
So sorry to hear this, Sam was an amazing individual. Because of Sam, we have been married almost 40 yrs. He was so special and loved by many. He will be missed by so many people.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Sam Martinez's name
Memorial Events
for Sam Martinez
Mar
1
How to support Sam's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sam Martinez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
