Jose O. Martinez, 75, of Rio Hondo, TX passed away on Tuesday, July 23, at his residence. Jose was a long-life resident of Rio Hondo, Texas. He was born to Andres and Maria Estella Martinez in Laureles Tx. He grew up in Lozano Tx. He left home at a very early age to go work in the cotton fields in Navasota Tx. He worked at the Cameron County drainage district number district number 3 from 1974 to 2012 when he retired. He loved to BBQ and have family over. He was the life of the party, always telling jokes and making everyone laugh. He loved to weld and make his BBQ pits and his love for his team, the Dallas Cowboys. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents Andres and Maria Estella Martinez. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Alicia C Martinez; daughter, Melisa Martinez; son, Jaime (Rosie) Martinez; and a granddaughter Reanna (Rolando) Gonzalez; brothers, Refugio (Cuco) Martinez, Alfredo (Janie) Martinez, Gilbert (Dorinda) Martinez; half-brother, Antonio (Jovita) Ortega; sisters, Francis (Thomas) Martinez, Juanita Martinez, Maria (Juan) Tello, Irene (Buster) Eskue, Alicia (Jose) Guerrero and numerous nieces and nephews Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 228 Huisache Ave, Rio Hondo, TX 78583 with interment to follow to Rio Hondo Cemetery. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Jose O. Martinez at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.