Manuel Martinez, 88, a resident of Dickinson, Texas, passed away on February 1. 2026. He was born on September 8, 1937 in Hitchcock, Texas to parents, Manuel Martinez, Sr. and Elodia Galvan Martinez.

He graduated from Dickinson High School in 1955 and been a loyal fan of the Gators ever since. He was a crop farmer for many years. His next journey took him to the Clear Creek School District, where he  worked for several schools; he finally retired from McWhorter Elementary in Webster, Texas.

He loved to go on vacation with his wife, Frances, to as many National Parks as they could. Manuel was a very kind, patient, generous, passionate man, husband, father, and grandfather.

He will be greatly missed.

Manuel is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Frances Martinez; son, Rudolph Martinez and brother, Tony Martinez.

He leaves behind to treasure his memory, daughter, Phyllis Finley & husband, Larry; son, Enrique Martinez; grandchildren, Michael Martinez, Stephen Martinez, Anthony Martinez, Brandon Martinez, Kyle Finley, Casey Finley and Koby Finley and great-grandchildren, Mori Martinez, Davis Finley, Kylerr Campbell, Kaison Finley, Aspen Finley, Stetsyn Finley and Denyr Finley.

In his honor, there will be a visitation on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, Texas. A funeral service is planned for Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:00am, also at Crowder Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Webster, Texas.