Jose “Leandro” Martinez passed away peacefully on July 29, 2021 at Spohn Hospital surrounded by family. Leandro was born February 10, 1937 in Tienditas, Texas to Manuel and Concepcion Martinez. He was a graduate from San Diego High School in 1956. Leandro worked for TXDOT for 34 years in Hebbronville, Corpus Christi, and retired from Alice as a maintenance supervisor. Leandro served 25 years as a board member of the U.S. (FDA) Soil Conservation service and an agriculture mentor. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholica Church and the Knights of Columbus of St. Joseph, serving from State Chairman, District Deputy, Grand Knight, and other offices. Leandro’s passion was ranching and farming in Duval and Jim Wells counties. He was a cowboy, always wearing his hat and boots. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his cousins, friends, and family, always sharing jokes and singing “Oh My Popo” with the kids. He loved traveling with motorcycle groups and later with RV friends. He always made time for coffee with the guys and catching up on the news.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Concepcion Martinez; and in laws, Mike and Santos Couling.

Leandro is survived by his wife of 60 years, Emma Couling Martinez; a daughter, Diana (William) Dolan from Seguin; a son, Jose L. Martinez Jr. (Cynthia) from Murrieta, California; four grandchildren, Mario J. (Stephanie) Dolan of Dallas, M. Randal (Randy) (Aubrie) Dolan of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, Denise Cecilia Martinez of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jose L. Martinez III (AuBrie) of Burbank, California; five great-grandchildren, Davis, Ellis, Elizabeth, Marcus R. Dolan Jr., and Maya Rose Martinez. Leandro has one sister, Mary M. Miller of Alice.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, with a memorial rosary to begin at 9:30 am, followed by a memorial mass at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ben Bolt, Texas. Family will have a private burial of ashes in Benavides.

Funeral arrangements entrusted with ROSAS FUNERAL HOME, INC.