Carlos H. Martinez

Carlos H. Martinez, 72, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at DHR Health Hospice in Edinburg.

Charlie loved his family dearly. A man of deep faith, he was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Charlie was employed by Edcouch-Elsa High School for 40 years as an Automotive Technology Instructor. He was respected and loved by his students. Many of his students regarded him as a mentor and friend, so much so, that they would come back and visit him after graduating from high school. In fact, many of his students would still call him to update him on their lives as successful adults with their own families. 

Charlie was a man of many hobbies, cooking in particular. He enjoyed cooking food for his friends and family. You could often find him grilling, listening to country music, and appreciating the beauty of life. He did this while taking pleasure in enjoying a cold one and enjoying the company of others, especially his wife. They were inseparable. Those were the moments he cherished the most.All the grand kids loved Grandpa Charlie. Grandpa loved to sneak treats to them. Grandpa would also take the fall for them when those treats had been discovered. He loved his grandkids so much. Seeing them would bring a big smile to his face and music to his soul. Charlie loved helping others. He touched so many lives in so many ways. He could make connections with people in minutes. Tell him your name and you had a friend for life. He was a good man with a heart of gold. Everybody knew Charlie. 

He lived life on his own terms.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lorenzo Martinez.

Mr. Martinez is survived by his wife of 36 years, Anita Y. Martinez; two children, Charles Daniel Martinez, Cristina Danielle (Albert) Rodriguez; three stepchildren, Thelma M. (Steve) Herrera, Erica M. (Grant) Hamilton, Julio Ismael (Crystal) Montelongo; nine grandchildren, Laura Herrera, Monica Herrera, Nicolas D. Hamilton, Mateo Montelongo, Lorenzo Alvarez, Diego Montelongo, Indalecio Alvarez, Cruz Montelongo, Nina Montelongo; his mother, Juanita H. Martinez; six siblings, Joel (Patricia) Martinez, Maria Teresa "Tere" (Raul) Hernandez, Lydia Martinez, Juanita Nanez (Luis Zaldivar), Blanca (Manuel) Bustos, and Audrey (Don Paul) Mitchell.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 9:30 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.