LARNED — Tony Martinez, 63, passed away Oct. 22, 2023 in Wichita, Kan.
He was born Oct. 13, 1960 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Rodolfo Martinez, Sr. and Marylou Mendez. He was a longtime resident of Larned, Kan., meeting Tracy in 2000 and the couple married on Dec. 31, 2005.
They spent more than two decades together, raising their blended family, starting with Tony’s daughter, Brandi and Tracy’s niece, Tiasha, as well as enjoying weekend visits from Tony’s son, Anthony, and daughter Esperanza. They were soon joined by the couple’s daughter Nydia, and sons Andres and Aemilio.
Tony knew no stranger. He was an extremely laid-back back and friendly person. He welcomed everyone like family to his home. He would do anything to help if he could. Familia was everything to him, and he helped take care of many nieces and nephews, over the years. He liked to help out his mother-in-law by mowing her big yard, or taking her to visit her mother in Hutchinson. Conversations had (in Spanish, of course) by Tony, Abby and Grandma Basilia were always lively and filled with laughter.
He relished telling stories about his life in San Antonio. A kid at heart, he often spent his time outdoors, playing basketball and soccer with his kids. Or, he could be spotted out exploring, looking for treasures with his metal detector. At home, the couch was Tony’s comfort spot, where he enjoyed watching crime shows, working on Sudoku Puzzles, and listening to Spanish Music. He also enjoyed watching movies. “Over the Top” was an all-time favorite for him and his son, Jacob.
At a young age, Tony would travel with his family to Wisconsin and help them with seasonal work. As he got older he lived in Plainview, Texas, working on oil rigs and at meat packing plants. Later, he moved closer to his mother in Great Bend, Kan., to be close to his disabled brother. He was employed by Sunflower Diversified Services and Pathways a total of 13 years in Great Bend. He then worked at Larned State Hospital for 18 years.
Survivors include his wife Tracy, Larned; his children Emily Soto, Plainview, Texas; Brandi Martinez (Jesus Ramirez), Macksville, Kan; Tiasha Perez, Houston, Texas; Anthony Martinez (Hailey Garman), Littlestown, Pa.; Esperanza Palmer (Dillion Schmidt), Hays, Kan.; Daughter Nydia, Sons Andres and Aemilio Martinez, all of Larned; grandchildren, Luna, Mateo and Leo; brothers, Salvador (Edna) Martinez, Plainview, Texas, Augie (Sherry) Martinez, Spokane, Wash., Javier Martinez, Altus, Okla., Steve (Dora) Martinez, Hollis Okla., Larry (Luz Maria) Martinez, Amarillo, Texas, Noel Martinez, Great Bend, Kan.; sister Ruby (Adam) Perez, Lakin, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents,; his son Jacob Soto; and two brothers, Rodolfo Martinez Jr, and David Martinez.
Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Mike Barton presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to Tony Martinez Memorial Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary
Box 477
Larned, KS. 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 26, 2023
