Johnny Martinez

Johnny “Big Red One” Martinez, 72, of Waco, TX, went on his final fire mission on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 30, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2621 Bagby Ave, Waco, TX, with The Very Reverend Benjamin Magnaye as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 29, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive, Waco, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Johnny was born January 31, 1949, to John and Elvira Olivarez Martinez, in Mexia, TX, and was raised in Coolidge,TX. He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He went to school at TSTI (now TSTC) when he was younger. He began working painting cars and houses. He eventually worked at the VA Hospital where he retired from after many years. Johnny was a man that truly loved life and those that knew him, loved him. He would do anything for anyone. He loved the country life. Some of his favorite things were cutting the lawn, gardening and fishing. He enjoyed being with his family, especially dancing. He always had a smile on his face and would brighten any room he was in. Johnny was a jack-of-all trades and would fix anything. Johnny loved to play baseball, and enjoyed watching the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Cathy and Rosa; and his brother, Richard.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Martinez; children, John and wife Letty of Waco, Jamie and wife Stephanie of Axtell, Jennifer and wife Tish and Frederick of Waco; grandchildren, Brandon, Brianna, Tricia, Araceli, Rosendo, Alexus, Mercedes, Manuel, JohnAnthony, Jamie, JohnNathan, Elyah, Jamie, Jr., Adrian, Miranda, Quinton, Edgar and Austin; great-grandchild, Xavier; sisters, Teresa Bartlett, Frances Crum, and Esther Aldridge.