Warden Christopher "Chris" Martinez, Vet. USMC

Warden Christopher "Chris" Martinez, Vet. USMC, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 13, 2024 while surrounded by his loving family here in Del Rio. He was born on April 22, 1968 in Pearsall, Texas. EARLY YEARS As a young man Chris was a great role model for all his siblings and would take them under his wing, even if they were older. He was an energetic young man and excelled at football for the Pearsall Mavericks. He was a force to be reckoned with on the field, and off the field, if anyone tried to bully any of his siblings. LIFE OF SERVICE (MILITARY) Chris decided early on as a young man to take that fierceness and bravery to the battlefield and joined the Marine Corps in October 1986. He served in Desert Storm as a Tank Commander and received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat award. During his career he received numerous awards and commendations and retired as a Sergeant. When you did see Chris, he was always sporting a Marine Cap and/or Shirt and he also made sure his Chevy Truck was Marine Red and that was a non-negotiable! Semper Fidelis (SEMPER FI) has been the Marine Corps motto since 1883. It embodies the Corps' value of honor, courage and commitment which Chris displayed throughout his entire life. Thank you for your Service! LIFE OF SERVICE (TO GOD) Chris’ roots were established early on in loving and serving our Lord as an Alter Boy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He continued that dedication by serving as an ACTS member since 2010 and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church. LIFE OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICE Chris started his career in corrections in 1993 in Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He went on to work for The Geo group in February 2021, started as a Correctional Officer and worked his way up to Senior Warden in Kinney County and eventually to Val Verde Correctional Facility where he was currently employed. Warden Chris truly loved his GEO family and they loved him. LIFE OF SERVICE (COMMUNITY) Chris was an instrumental mentor and supporter of our military as a member of the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Association at Laughlin Air Force Base where he served as a class sponsor to several pilot training classes over the years. His commitment was unwavering. FAMILY LIFE Chris was the greatest, dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather who led by example. He loved the simple things like barbequing for large gatherings, driving his tractor or jumping in the pool with all the kids. Somehow, he still managed to make time to see his significant number of siblings. Chris was actively involved in the Phelan-McDermid foundation to ensure his young son Carlitos had all the opportunities and resources available to him. Although he will be truly missed; we find comfort in knowing that he will always continue to be our strong protector. Preceding him in death were his parents, Esther and Gabino Martinez; and sisters: Eloise Saenz and Mary Ann Martinez. Family members left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 23 years, Nora L. Martinez of Del Rio; children: Valerie Martinez (Michael), Christopher Martinez Jr., Jonathan Martinez (Nancy), Veronica Martinez, Vanessa Martinez, Pedro Martinez, Gabino Martinez, Manuel Martinez, and Carlos Martinez; siblings: Johnny Martinez, Stella Rodriguez, Billy Martinez, Charlie Martinez, Gloria Berreles, Manuel Martinez, Teresa Gonzalez, Melinda Jenkins, Gabino Martinez Jr., and Tommy Martinez; grandchildren: Sylvia, Billy, Evelyn, Juliana, Abigail, Christina, Jonathan Jr., Kaitlyn, and Kaden; Warden Christopher is also survived by many other relatives, friends and colleagues. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Trinity Chapel of Faith. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps. and the Jesus M. Limones Jr. American Legion Honor Guard Post #595. Pallbearers will be: Christopher Martinez Jr., Jonathan Martinez, Pedro Martinez, Gabino Martinez, Manuel Martinez, and Ron Rios.

Warden Christopher "Chris" Martinez, Vet. USMC

April 22, 1968 - June 13, 2024