SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 283
In Memory
of
Philip Martinez
WHEREAS, The passing of esteemed U.S. District Judge
Philip Ray Martinez of El Paso on February 26, 2021, at the age of
63, concluded a life devoted to the cause of justice; and
WHEREAS, The son of Phil Martinez Sr. and Evangelina
Martinez, Phil Martinez was born in El Paso on July 13, 1957; he
grew up with the companionship of four siblings, Richard, Roger,
Patrick, and Rebecca, and attended Burges High School; after
earning a bachelor's degree in political science with high honors
from The University of Texas at El Paso, he went on to graduate
from Harvard Law School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Martinez began his career in public service
in 1990, when he was elected judge of El Paso County Court at Law
No. 1; the following year, he became judge for the 327th District
Court; his appointment to the U.S. District Court for the Western
District of Texas was confirmed in 2002, and over the years, he
served the judiciary in a host of leadership roles at the local,
state, and national level; he was appointed by Chief Justice John
Roberts to the Court Administration and Case Management
Committee for the Judicial Conference of the United States, the
policy-making body of the federal courts, and he was a member of
the Executive Committee of the Federal Judges Association; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his alma mater, Judge Martinez
co-chaired the UTEP Centennial Commission and established a
scholarship for UTEP undergraduates; he also interviewed
aspiring Harvard students and mentored many young people; a man
of faith, he prayed the rosary and played the piano at
St. Patrick Cathedral every morning, and he served as director
and co-chair of the National Conference of Christians and Jews
and as director of the El Paso Holocaust Museum; in all his
endeavors, he was supported by the love and encouragement of his
wife of 36 years, Mayela Del Carmen Martinez, and he took great
pride in his daughters, Jaclyn and Lauren, and his grandson,
Robert; he was a caring uncle and godfather as well; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Philip Martinez was a jurist of
tremendous intellect and integrity, and although he will be
deeply missed, those who were privileged to know him will
treasure their memories of his thoughtful, gentle ways and kind
smile; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable
Philip Ray Martinez and extend sincere condolences to all who
mourn his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Philip Martinez.
Blanco
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 26, 2021, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate