Jesus "Jesse" Martinez, Jr.

Jesus "Jesse" Martinez Jr, 32, of Merkel, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. A visitation is planned from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Smith Family Funeral Homes, 304 N 2nd Street, Haskell, TX.

Jesus was born January 23, 1991, in Seymour, TX, to Anna Salinas and Jesus Martinez Sr. He graduated from Merkel High School in 2009. He enjoyed fishing, music and hanging out with friends. His family was his world and he enjoyed spending time with them especially his children. He was a die-hard cowboys fan. He read his bible every night and he was always laughing and spreading joy.

He is survived by his wife, Tara Johnson of Merkel; mother, Anna Salinas of Merkel; sister,  Analisa Martinez of Merkel; half-sister, Leann Martinez of Uvalde; sons, Jacoby, Jackson, Jalen Martinez all of Merkel; step-daughter, Hailey Phebus of Knox City; grandmother, Gregoria Hernandez of Hamlin and numerous other family members and friends.

Jesus is preceded in death by his father, Jesse Martinez Sr; grandfather, Florencio Martinez; step-grandfather, Arnoldo Delacruz; uncle, Juan Manuel Delacruz; great-grandmother, Carmen Hernandez; and great-grandfather, Andres Hernandez.