Don Martinez

After facing a sudden onset of health complications, Don Martinez, age 77, went to be with the Lord on July 4, 2022.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, July 8, 2022. Funeral services celebrating Don’s life will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday July 9, 2022, both events will be at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, Somerville TX. Following the graveside service, everyone is invited to attend a reception at Champion Fellowship Church in Brenham from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Don Espinosa Martinez was born on September 6, 1944 in Yorktown, TX to Jose Flores Martinez and Faustina (Espinosa) Martinez. He grew up in El Campo with his fourteen siblings. Don was a hard worker and a jack of all trades. He owned and operated several businesses over the years including D & C Painting. He often worked as a subcontractor. He was also very handy with different odd jobs. Don retired and settled in Brenham in 2010.

Don was a loving father to his three sons, Fabian, Solomon, and Sebastian. He was also very involved as a Papa and a great-grandpapa. Family was extremely important to him. He never missed a ball game or a youth group trip when his sons were growing up. Throughout his life, he made it a priority to share quality time with his family and friends. Don was always there for you if you needed advice or just a listening ear. Don was a true friend and always made time to check on the people in his life and connect with them. He loved brightening your day with a joke.

Don was a self-made and self-taught man. He diligently studied many books, and stayed informed of world events by watching the news, but he considered it most important to study his bible and keep his life centered on Christ. Don took classes and studied Hebrew so he could have a deeper understanding of scripture. He was a dedicated Christian and believed in spreading God’s love everywhere he went. In his earlier years, he sang in the choir. Don was a member of Champion Fellowship Church and he treasured the friendships he had made there.

Don appreciated nature and could often be found outside enjoying God’s creation. He kept a garden and enjoyed fishing. He taught himself whittling and carpentry and made many beautiful decorations for his home. He also went on many long walks, pondering scripture while he did so. Don set a great example of a Christian life and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving loved ones include: sons Solomon Zacarias Martinez (Ariane), Fabian Martinez, and Sebastian Steven Martinez; he was “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren Olivia Lynn Villarreal (husband Billy), Fabian Isaac Charles Martinez, Anna Jenny Allis Martinez, Tiffany Martinez-Curtis, Shannon Harris, She’tori Simone Martinez, Solomon Zacarias Martinez Jr., Solaundria Shania Martinez, Chloe Shae Martinez; great-grandchildren Remi Rose Vela, Isaiah Vela, Kiari Kay Martinez, Samara Davis, Jayceon Brown, Jaci Hagan, Ace Harris, Jallen Kahalehoe, and his furry four-legged grand-pup Gizmo. He is also survived by his siblings Frances Wade, Esteffana Gonzalez, Mary Gonzalez, Larry Martinez, and Sam Martinez.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, and many dear brothers and sisters in Christ from Champion Fellowship Church.

Pallbearers will be Isaac Martinez, Solomon Martinez Jr., Billy Villarreal, Fabian Martinez, Solomon Martinez Sr., and Gregg Tuck. If you’d like to make a contribution in memory of Don, please consider donating to Champion Fellowship Church, 1801 S. Market Street, Brenham, TX 77833