Juan Martinez

1943 - 2021

Harlingen, TX - Juan Martinez Sr. passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, surrounded by his wife and family at VBMC in Harlingen. He was born October 20, 1943 to Carmen and Maria Martinez.

Juan proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War: The Tet Offensive (1967-1968). Juan was assigned to 336th Assault Helicopter Company where he was a Huey Mechanic, did search and rescue and assault air raids. He was also apart of testing helicopters prior to being used in combat. Juan was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. After being honorably discharged, he worked for Spartan Aviation in Brownsville where he repaired helicopters until it closed, then became a boat mechanic at Valley Marine and The Sportsman before retiring.

Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Carmen and Maria; and siblings, Alfredo, Jesus, Maria, Juana, and Margarita; nephews, Jose, Tanner and Jeffery.

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories, his loving wife Mary Lou of 50 years; his children Maggie Rodriguez, Juan (Erica) Martinez Jr., Ruth Diaz, and Jaime (Elida) Martinez; 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; siblings Carmen, Felacitas and Norbeto; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a prayer service of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7 p.m. at Trinity Funeral Chapel.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Queen of Peace church for mass. Interment will follow at Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery in Harlingen.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Juan Martinez Jr., Jaime Martinez, Armando Zamora, Juan Martinez III, John Padron, and Jesse Martinez.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave. Harlingen, TX 78550. www.trinityfunerals.com.