Tributes

Guadalupe Gonzales Martinez passed away on December 18, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on May 31, 1931 in Mission, Texas to Francisco Martinez and Dolores Gonzales Martinez. Mr. Martinez was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Michael Martinez. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Micaela Lara Martinez; daughters, Lupita Villarreal (Jose Angel), Margaret Vasquez (David Jesse), Alicia Patina (Paul), Sally Ann Chavez and Norma Jean Martinez (Eduardo Jr.); sons, Gilbert Martinez (Lisa Ann), Roger Martinez (Rose); sisters, Evangelina Ramos, Irma Garza (Luis), Noelia Ramirez (Balentine); brother, Luis E. Ramos; 23 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. As a young boy Guadalupe ventured out into the world to make a life for himself, temporarily leaving behind his mother and siblings. As he recounted, “life was very difficult as a young boy”. He encountered many hardships in his youth, but worked in various trades and in several places to help him overcome these hardships. It was then that he also developed a love for music, and taught himself to play the guitar. As life would steer him down the musical path he went on to become a musician, and at the age of 19, while playing a “gig” in the Texas town of Lubbock, he met the woman of his dreams - Micaela Lara. After wooing her for several weeks he eventually settled in San Antonio in an attempt to “win” over her heart. The move to San Antonio was a great success. He married his dream girl and together they successfully raised and supported eight children. Shortly after marrying Micaela he began his career as an insurance vehicle transporter where he transported vehicles within the country and into Canada, all the while keeping true to the loves of his life – his wife, children, and music. He also became a songwriter, or as he would proudly say, “Soy Compositor”. With his artistry and mastery of converting life’s challenges and stories into songs he established a conjunto and successfully recorded studio albums, both in Mexico and in the U.S. Well into his retirement years and up to his final days he kept playing music and making people smile. His love for his wife and family was evident. He spent many days and nights away from his family to support them financially. But when he was home he was the center of attention and one to be reckoned with. He displayed his love for his children by spoiling them rotten, but also instilled in them the value of having respect for him and mom. He also instilled in them his words of wisdom. During family gatherings he sang songs he wrote and songs of his heritage. If it was your birthday you’d best be prepared to cry and rejoice as he would sing to you a solo rendition of “Las Mañanitas”. He also sang several songs to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As babys he would be sure to sing “You Are My Sunshine” to every single one of them. That song rings loudly in everyone’s ears as it is the anthem for all of the grandchildren. Our “Papi”, granddad, great-granddad, husband, brother, uncle and friend will be sorely missed. SERVICES Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 6:00pm-9:00pm, with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Palm Heights Mortuary. A procession will depart the funeral home on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 10:30am, with a Mass of the Resurrection to be celebrated at 11:00am at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Interment will follow at San Jose Burial Park. For personal acknowledgement, you may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the Tributes section. PALM HEIGHTS MORTUARY 3711 S. ZARZAMORA ST. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78225 (210) 924-4568

Tributes

Guadalupe Gonzales Martinez

May 31, 1931 - December 18, 2016