Al Martinez

May 27, 1949 – November 17, 2025

Alphonso Vallejo Martinez, 76, passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, with an open casket. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the same location, with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.

Alphonso was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Delia Vallejo and Felix Martinez on May 27, 1949. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps with 1st Force Recon, 1st Marine Division, completing two combat tours in Vietnam, including the Tet Offensive, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

He went on to a distinguished healthcare career spanning decades as a Respiratory Therapist, Pediatric Specialist, Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), and Registered Nurse. He served as Director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Medical Center Hospital in Nacogdoches, Texas; Director of the Respiratory Care Department at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Odessa, Texas; Critical Care Coordinator at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa; and Assistant Department Head for Respiratory Care. He established the hospital’s Sleep Studies Lab and became one of only five RPSGTs in the State of Texas. He later worked as a Charge Nurse at Desert Springs Behavioral Hospital and the Ector County Youth Detention Center.

Alphonso was a devoted Christian and was baptized earlier this year in front of his family. He is remembered for his lifelong mission of caring for youth and those in crisis, and for his strength, humility, compassion, community service, and deep love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother Delia; father Felix; brothers Chuy, Gilbert, Dennis, and Ricky; grandson Dorian; great-nephew Kruz; and the family dog Buddy Blue.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Martinez, after 49 years of marriage; children Tracy Dawson, Jesse Martinez, Selma Martinez, Eric Martinez, and Chris Martinez; grandchildren Mariah, Aleixys, Ethan, Abbey, David, Lourdes, Havan, Moses, Natalie, and Sirena; and siblings Chayo Vela and Rudy Romero.

Memorials may be sent to Sunset Memorial Gardens in care of Al Martinez.

The family extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Salcido and staff, and to all loved ones who supported him in his final days.

Rest in peace, Marine. Semper Fi.