89R14243 KSM-D
By: Meyer H.R. No. 434
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of Abel Martinez of Lubbock on
September 27, 2024, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, The son of Hermilo and Juanita Martinez, "Billy"
Martinez was born in Post on April 19, 1951, and he grew up with the
companionship of three siblings, Hermilo, Emma, and Elizabeth;
following his graduation from Lubbock High School in 1969, he
continued his education at Texas Tech University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Martinez embarked on a fulfilling career as a
union sheet metal worker that would span many years; he was elected
to serve as representative of the labor union he joined, and he
distinguished himself through his dedicated efforts to recruit
Hispanic workers; an engaged activist who walked picket lines in
various towns across the nation, he was a longtime member of the
League of United Latin American Citizens, a civil rights
organization that fights for full access to the political process
and equal educational opportunity for all Hispanics; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Martinez was blessed with
the love and support of his wife, the former Ruth Gutierrez, with
whom he shared more than five decades; he was the devoted father of
three children, Aaron, Jacob, and Angela, and he took great pride in
his four grandchildren; moreover, he adored his nieces and nephews,
and he enjoyed spending time with his friends on the golf course;
and
WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family and his community,
Billy Martinez earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who
were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Abel Martinez and
extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Ruth Martinez; to his children, Aaron Martinez and his wife,
Kathryn, Jacob Martinez, and Angela Martinez and her partner, Jerry
McLaughlin; to his grandchildren, Rogers and Landry Martinez and
Amelia and Violet Jones-Martinez; to his sisters, Emma Smith and
her husband, Fred, and Elizabeth Magallanes and her husband, Rudy;
and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Billy
Martinez.