Federico Martinez

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…” (1 Timothy 2:7-8a)

Federico Martinez, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025. He was born on December 26, 1937 to Filomeno and Julia Estrada Martinez in Los Indios, Texas. The eldest of eight children, Federico was a cornerstone of his family. His loving heart and hilarious personality brought joy and laughter to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Federico’s desire to serve others led him to join the U.S. Navy. After completing his commitment to the Navy, he continued his service to his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. It was there that he met Marcia L. Feltner who was also serving in the U.S. Army. For Federico and Marcia, it was love at first sight. The two soon wed and spent the next sixty-four years as husband and wife.

While raising their two sons, Brian K. and Federico "Marty" Jr., Federico lived a life of service, as a law enforcement officer with the Kingsville Police Department, the Harlingen Police Department, and as an investigator with the Union Pacific Railroad, until his retirement. In retirement, Federico remained active, working as a private investigator for the Garcia Law Firm and as a project supervisor for Texas Visiting Nurse Service.

At the age of fifty-four, he and Marcia embraced a renewed purpose by raising their grandson, Brian K. Martinez, II.

Freddy, as he was affectionately known, loved woodworking and fishing almost as much as he loved action movies, westerns, and the Houston Astros. However, his greatest joy came from sharing those passions with his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Always grounded in his faith, Federico was an exemplar of a Christian man: rich in love, patience, and gentleness.

Federico was preceded in death by his parents, Filomeno and Julia Martinez; brother, Jesus (Ester) Martinez; and great-grandson, Caleb Andrew Martinez.

Left to cherish Freddy’s memory are his wife, Marcia Martinez; sons, Brian Sr. (Karla) and Marty (Michelle); grandchildren, Brian (Ali), Maegan, Sarah, Jaret (Mykia), and Gabriella; and great-grandchildren Lily, Julie, and Baby Girl Martinez, on the way. Also left to treasure his memory are his brother, Santiago "Jimmy" (Victoria) Martinez; and sisters, Anita Cantu, Olga Mata, Viola (Roberto) Garcia, Julia (Jacinto) Tamez, and Yolanda Carrizales.

The Martinez family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Federico’s caregiver, Gloria Barrera, for her love and compassionate care, as well as to Olmito Community Church, the staff of Texas Visiting Nurse Service, the Veterans Administration of Harlingen, and the ICU staff of Valley Regional Medical Center.

Federico’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A Prayer Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. A Homegoing Service will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Following the service, Federico will be laid to rest with full military honors at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Brian K. Martinez, Sr., Marty Martinez, Brian K. Martinez II, Jaret Martinez, Daniel Cepeda, and Eduardo Zamorano.