Armando H. Martinez

Armando H. Martinez, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord, entered into eternal rest on September 13, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on October 7, 1950, Armando was a devoted Christian and a true man of God whose faith guided his life, his family, and the way he served others. He sought to honor the Lord in all that he did, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, kindness, service, and devotion. Armando earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974. He began his professional career at Ford Powell and Carson, where he developed his skills as an architect, including working in Saudi Arabia which gave him the opportunity to travel around the world. These experiences broadened his perspective, enriched his creativity, and became a meaningful part of the life and career he would build. After gaining valuable experience and traveling internationally, Armando went on to establish his own firm, Architectural Design Associates. Over the course of approximately 50 years practicing architecture, he poured his talent, creativity, and dedication into projects that touched many different aspects of people's lives. His work included schools, churches, restaurants, homes, commercial buildings, and residential projects. For Armando, architecture was more than a profession, it was a way to create spaces where people could learn, worship, gather, work, raise families, and make memories. Among the projects that held special meaning was helping Freddy Garcia’s ministry with the design and construction of Victory Outreach, a ministry with a life changing message with the gospel of Jesus Christ to those with addictions. The 9/11 Memorial at New Life Christian Church in San Antonio, a lasting tribute that reflects both his architectural gifts and his desire to create places of meaning and remembrance. Through his work, Armando left a physical legacy throughout the community, with buildings and spaces that will continue to stand long after his earthly journey is complete. His work allowed him to share his faith with others and bring people to Christ. But the greatest thing he ever built could not be drawn on paper. He built a family, a home filled with love, memories that live in our hearts for generations, and a legacy of strength, love, and devotion that death could never take away. A Man of God and Servant of the Lord While Armando was deeply proud of his career and accomplishments as an architect, his greatest calling was his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a devoted Christian, a man of God, and a faithful servant of the Lord. His faith was not simply something he professed; it was something he lived. Armando sought to honor God through his work, his relationships, and his service to others. His love for the Lord was reflected in the way he cared for his family and in the generosity, kindness, and wisdom he shared with those around him. To his wife, Betty, he was a faithful and loving husband for 49 years. He and his wife opened their home for Bible Study for 40 years. To his daughters, he was a father who provided love, guidance, wisdom, and an example of what it means to walk faithfully with God. To his son in laws that he prayed for since his girls were little he was an example of what leading a family in Christ looks like. To his grandchildren, he was a beloved Popo and Papa whose love, presence, and example will remain with them throughout their lives. Armando was preceded in death by his father, Epifanio Martinez; his mother, Elena Martinez; his sister, Monica Martinez; and his brother, Ruben Martinez. He leaves behind his devoted wife Elizabeth “Betty” Martinez; his three daughters and their husbands, Christine (Vincent) Garcia, Stefanie (Ruben) Amezcua, and Katy (Diego) Castro; and his five beloved grandchildren, Ethan Vincent Garcia, Noah Armando Garcia, Olivia Christine Garcia, Sofia Katherine Castro, and Lucia Elizabeth Castro. Armando leaves behind more than buildings and architectural projects. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, creativity, and love. The lessons he taught, the lives he touched, the places he created, and the faith he lived will continue through his family and through all those who were blessed to know him. As we mourn his passing, we also rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. We take comfort in knowing that Armando's earthly race has been completed and that he is now home with his Lord and Savior. “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” — Matthew 25:23 Though we will deeply miss his presence, his voice, his wisdom, his humor, his love, and his faithful example, we hold onto the hope of Heaven and the promise that death is not the end. Until we meet again in Heaven, Armando. Your race has been run, your faith has been kept, and your legacy of love, faith, family, and service will live on in all of us.

Armando H. Martinez

October 7, 1950 - September 13, 2026