Melesio M. Martinez  died on Thursday, October 26, 2017.  Born in Gonzalez, Texas he was the last of 7 siblings who all died in their nineties.  His early years were spent in small farming communities from Eagle Pass to Elgin.

Drafted in 1940, he saw combat with the 96th Infantry Division, the Deadeyes, in Okinawa and Leyte.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions in combat.  His military service and record are on display at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.

In 1946 he married Consuelo Delgado and settled in Loma Park to raise a family.  He opened the first barbershop in the neighborhood and was known to all as Mel.

Retirement took him to El Paso where he developed a fondness for the slot machines.  His favorite saying "life is too short, let's have a little fun, let's go to the casino."  And so to the casino we would go once or twice a month.

Melesio was preceded in death by his wife, Consuelo Martinez.  He is survived by his son Felix and wife Ruth, daughter Azalia and Mark, daughter Consuelo Gallegos and husband Guillermo and close family friend Carmen Sang, grandchildren are Xavier, Alejandro and Marie, Gabriel and Tina, Gregory, Gianna Johannsen and husband Lee, Azalia and Josh; great-grandsons:  Noah, Joshua, Sage, Sawyer, Luke and Lonn.

He was a loving patriarch, proud soldier and fierce slot machine player.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M.

Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M.

The Angelus Chapel

1119 N. St. Mary's St.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Funeral procession will depart at 10:00 A.M.

from The Angelus Chapel to

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Graveside Service 10:30 A.M.

with military honors