Sergeant Rojelio Martinez, 72, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2022 at McAllen Medical Center.
Roy, as he was known to friends and family, was born on July 20, 1949, in Moorhead, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, lifelong love and best friend of 50 years, Maria. They built an incredible life together for their two daughters, Christi and Melanie, who will always be Daddy's girls at heart. His three grandchildren, Kathan, Kaylen and Braydon, brought him endless amounts of joy.
Roy lived an extraordinary life as a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He served honorably in the Army from 1969-1971, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He received the following medals during his service; The National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device and 1 Overseas Bar. Roy was proud of his experience serving our nation as he would often wear his Veteran hats and shirts as a source of pride. The only thing that he loved more than his service to his country was his family.
Roy will forever be remembered for the kindness that could be seen through his smiling eyes. Many often looked to him for advice and appreciated his sense of humor. One of the things he always used to say to make others laugh was, "Don't be so stupid and so smart". His unconditional love for family and his respected legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, and the hard work that he built into the communities where he lived and served.
Roy is preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and three sisters.
Mr. Martinez is survived by his wife, Maria, two daughters, Christi and Melanie; three grandchildren, Kathan, Kaylen and Braydon; six brothers; four sisters; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022 at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in San Juan. Interment will be at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery for Veterans as a legacy to his service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.