Oscar "Rooster" Cruz Martinez, Sr.

The family of Oscar “Rooster” Cruz Martinez Sr. is sad to announce his passing on May 28, 2024, at the age of 61.

Rooster, as he was most commonly called, was born August 15, 1962, in Three Rivers to Arturo Jose Martinez and Vicenta (Cruz) Martinez. He attended George West ISD and married the love of his life, Noelia Rodriguez, on October 2, 1982, in Kingsville. The couple made their home in George West and were members of St. George Catholic Church. In his younger years, Rooster loved to rope and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a jokester and liked to be silly and make people laugh; and he loved sharing stories about “Chango.”

Known as a jack of all trades, he was a man of many skills, talents and dedication. He was a certified welder, ranch foreman, carpenter, plumber and electrician. His employment with his Uncle Adan at Martinez Appliance increased his knowledge in that profession.

His strong work ethic and reliability earned him the reputation of being a man of his word. “Era hombre de su palabra” which he lived by faithfully.

He was preceded in death by his son, Amalio Daniel Martinez, on September 29, 1989; and his mother, Vickie Martinez, on September 17, 2020.

His memory will forever be cherished by his wife of 41 years, Noelia (Rodriguez) Martinez; two sons, Oscar Martinez Jr. and Oscar Tres Martinez; his father, Arturo Martinez; a sister, Olga (Roel) Gutierrez; nephew, Gary (Miah) Gutierrez; two nieces, Joy (Aaron) Coronado and Emily Gutierrez; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; and his in-laws.

A Rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Galloway & Sons Chapel in George West.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday, June 3, at St. George Catholic Church with Father Romeo Salinas officiating.

Burial will follow in the George West Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Oscar Martinez Jr., Oscar Tres Martinez, Gary Gutierrez, Roel Gutierrez, Raymond Martinez and Pablo Valadez Jr.