Memorial services for Joel Martinez, 39, of Lubbock, were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, at First Baptist Church in Morton. He was called home Tuesday, November 1, 2022, in Lubbock.
Joel was born September 7, 1983, in Levelland, to Jose and Blasa Martinez of Morton. Joel was an avid Texas Tech fan who loved football and basketball. He was the head basketball coach and offensive coordinator while with Morton ISD. He also served as the I.T. Director for Morton ISD, transitioning to CTSI, gradually climbing in rank to manager. Joel loved to golf, travel and trying his luck at casinos. He was also an awardwinning “pit master,” best known for his brisket. Joel had a servant and giving heart. When a family or friend was ever in need he would be the first to answer the call, with no desire for acclamations. JOEL MARTINEZ
Sept. 7, 1983 - Nov. 1, 2022
If there was one thing Joel taught us all it has been to give and to love. He was an amazing son, always making sure to call his mom every evening to tell her goodnight and just to make sure she was doing alright. Joel was also the father and brother who would quietly get you out of a bind. He was the voice of reason for all of his siblings. He was the kind of person who also knew when it was time to set you straight. Joel loved spending time with his four-legged friends; Rampage, Champ and Piper. He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Martinez. Joel is survived by his son, Eddy Franco and wife, Victoria, of Lawton, Oklahoma; his mother, Blasa Martinez and husband, Jose Juan Osoria; brother, Sammy Martinez of Midland; three sisters: Luisa Abston and husband, Shean, of Morton, Ely Chavez and husband, Jaime, of El Paso and Angelica Martinez of Morton; and his younger brother, Isai Martinez and wife, Cindy, of Levelland. There is no denying that Joel loved his nieces and nephews: Alexxa Vasquez, Cameron Flores. Richard Maldonado, Melody Cruz, Zackery and Noa DeLeon, Jackson Benavidez, Xavier, Benjamin, and Madison Childers, Isabella and Gabriella Martinez.
Thank you Tio Joel, for being an amazing uncle. We miss you so very much. We will move forward with your legacy and find peace knowing you are finally able to rest easy.
We will love you always.