Herman Albert Martinez

Herman Albert Martinez was called home November 23, 2025, to reunite with his wife Petra of 68 years and numerous past loved ones. Herman Albert Martinez was born April 29, 1929, to Luciano Z. Martinez and Eloisa Ortega in Capulin, Colorado (Conejo County). After the passing of his mother, he was raised by his stepmother Christina, in Douglas, Wyoming.

He was raised on a ranch and learned to break horses as a young man, he definitely was an original cowboy.

On November 21, 1946, He enlisted in the United States Navy at the young age of 16 years old. On September 1, 1947, in Casper, Wyoming, he shipped out aboard the USNS General Hugh J. Gaffey as a Seabee and served through February 5, 1950. He was called back to active-duty December 6, 1950 - April 6, 1952. He also boxed during his time in the Navy, and they nicknamed him Marty. In his time served he received medals for American Theater, Victory Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal of World War II. He crossed the International Dateline (180th Meridian) January 1, 1951. On April 29, 1957, he married Petra Garcia of Alice, TX. Becoming an instant father to Mario, Yodie, and Blanca. He raised and treated them as his very own from the beginning. They went on to have 3 more children, Christina, Marty, and Patricia. Herman was a truck driver for Heldt Brother’s Trucking for 35 years; many knew him by his CB handle, HAMBONE. He retired July 23, 1994. One of his favorite past times was fishing. He loved to fish, even got his truck stuck in Lake Findley once from backing it up too far and fishing from his tailgate.

Another of his favorite past times was playing cards and dominoes. The dining room table was the gathering spot for playing. He taught all his kids and grandkids to play cards & dominoes. Often times, we would be hearing the phrase, “Don't be sandbagging”… IYKYK (if you know, you know). Grandma's voice from the kitchen following, you better be playing fair Herman Albert. He'd be sitting gazing at you from the tops of his glasses, with a toothpick sticking out his mouth with his handlebar mustache. He loved the family BBQs which included pitching horseshoes in the backyard. He was known to have a vise like handshake and was rather good at arm wrestling. We all knew his recliner was his throne, and we did not dare sit in it if he was home. He was as tough as they came but also had such kindness to him, who could help but laugh at his sarcastic remarks (usually aimed at Grandma). There are so many fond memories I am sure we all have of him. We will carry those in our hearts.

Herman is proceeded in death by his parents, Luciano Z. Martinez and Eloisa Ortega. His stepmother Christina, his brother Henry Richard Martinez, his son Mario Olivo and his wife Petra Garcia Martinez.

He is Survived by his remaining children, Yodie (Freddy) Charles of Alice, TX., Blanca (Sandy ✝️) Johnson of Dayton, TX, Christina (Mark) Perry of Flushing, MI, Marty Martinez of Alice, TX and Patricia (Gilbert) Gaitan of Alice, TX. Numerous Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Del Cielo Hospice staff for the love and care during the final weeks of Herman’s life.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Military Honors at 5:30 PM. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM with a Funeral Service to follow at 6:30 PM at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St, Alice, Texas 78332. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main Street, Alice, Texas.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Mortuary Facebook. 

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