Obituary of Tomas V Martinez

Tomas V. Martinez was born on April 11, 1941, in Villa Hidalgo, Mexico. He was one of eight boys born to the union of Jesus and Aurora (Velasquez) Martinez. At the age of ten, Tomas settled in the United States with his family.

For more than thirty years, he provided for his family as a supervisor at General Motors Company.  A proud UAW member, he retired in 2001.

Tomas had many varied interests.  From a young age, he was an avid sports fan.  Aspiring to be a professional baseball player he once even tried out for his beloved Detroit Tigers.  He was also a fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines and professional boxer: Julio Cesar Chavez.  Tomas loved deep sea fishing, spending time on the water in Florida, Texas, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.  He enjoyed being outside whether tinkering in his garage or splitting wood.  Tomas liked trying his luck at the slot machines in Las Vegas. He was very fortunate and very disciplined walking away if he won.

Tomas was known to be quite feisty and a big talker.  He loved his family implicitly, often traveling back to Mexico to visit.  He cherished his grandchildren taking every opportunity that he had to spoil them.  One of his favorite pastimes were backyard barbecues with family and friends.

Tomas V. Martinez Sr., age 82, of Dundee, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday; December 5, 2023. His passing was preceded by his parents and three brothers: Fidel, Raul, and Jesse Martinez.

To cherish his memory he leaves four children: Tomas “Tommy” Martinez Jr. of Belleville, Michigan, Emiliano (Beata) Martinez of Saline, Michigan, Maria Martinez (William Wojtowicz) of Milan, Michigan, and Enrique (Irma) Martinez; three grandchildren: Christopher Hoelzer Jr., Oliver Martinez, and Sophia Martinez; four brothers: Mario Martinez, Jose Martinez, Gilberto (Josie) Martinez, and Pete (Annie) Martinez; and his former spouse: Lusia Martinez (Luis Arias) whom he remained close friends with.

Friends may gather on Sunday; December 10, 2023, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. He will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00am on Monday; December 11, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 420 North Street, Milan, Michigan 48160 with Father Vincent VanDoan as celebrant. Procession will follow to Maple Grove Cemetery in Dundee for interment.

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