Martin “Merkie” Martinez

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Martin “Merkie” Martinez, 58 years of age, of Pampa, Texas, was taken from this life way too early on Saturday, December 11, 2021, while in the hospital with Covid. He was born on May 20, 1963, to Joe Louis and Beatrice Martinez in Plainview, Texas.

His family remained residents of Plainview until he was 12 years old then they moved to Iowa for a short stint of two years before settling in Pampa. Merkie did attend school in Pampa for a bit then at the age of 17, decided to go to work as an auto body painter. He has been employed at several of the local body shops in town such as Robert Knowles, The Ford House, Culberson Stowers and most recently, Country Chevrolet. In 1988, he met his sweetheart, Virginia McNelly and in 1992, they married. While growing up, his father taught boxing and he really took to it, strived for the Golden Gloves, and has numerous trophies to show for his dedication and discipline. He was extremely passionate and even more protective of his family. So much so, that he taught all of his children how to fight, shoot guns and fish and had taught the grandkids to fight and fish, but hadn’t quite gotten to the shooting yet. He was a dedicated worker, at every task, he never rested as idle hands didn’t produce anything. Merkie, having a giving heart, helped so many people over time and in doing so, was extremely influential in the way he taught life lessons. Wanting to capture all his happy memories, Merkie took vast amounts of pictures and cherished them deeply.

Loved ones who preceded him in death were his father, Joe Louis, brother, Michael Martinez and mother-in-law, Juanita Smith.

Merkie leaves a plethora of family he held extremely dear to his heart such as his wife, Virginia Martinez of Pampa; mother, Beatrice Martinez of Plainview; two sons, Three Martinez of Austin, Matthew Martinez and wife Analilia of Pampa; two daughters, Chauntyl Martinez, Maleesa Martinez both of Pampa; two brothers, Brig Martinez of Pampa, Joe Louis, Jr of Plainview; two sisters, Margie Ambriz and husband Mark of Pampa, April Ballard of Dallas; 12 grandchildren, Tersa, Strise, Jazlynn, Michael, Leo, Jax, Ma’Kiya, Amaya, Bertha, Anaie, Diego, Natalie; two great-grandchildren, Luke and Ariella and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

For those who wish to pay final respects to Merkie, he will be available Tuesday, December 14th from 2 until 8, Wednesday from 9 until 8 and again Thursday from 9 until noon at Winegeart Funeral Home, 303 North Frost Street, Pampa.

Celebration of Life Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:30pm, Thursday, December 16, 2021, at The Knights of Columbus Event Building, 318 North Cuyler Street, Pampa, Texas 79065. The family has entrusted the cremation care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.

Should donations be a preference, the family suggests they be made to either the Harvest House, PO Box 2237, Pampa, TX 79066, or Tralee Crisis Center, 308 South Cuyler Street, Pampa, TX 79065 in honor of Merkie.

To leave words of love, comfort, and condolences for the family on Merkie’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral