Panfilo Martinez, Jr.

December 8, 1950 - June 29, 2024

Born in Dallas, Texas December 8, 1950, to Mary Rivera Martinez and Panfilo Velez Martinez. Paul was the eldest son of eight siblings. Paul was married 33 years to Erma Jones Martinez. Paul passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

Paul enlisted for the Viet Nam War at the age of seventeen. He signed up to be a paratrooper, following in his father's footsteps. He earned the rank of Sergeant and was recommended for a special commendation as he was accredited for saving his platoon from major casualties. He was disabled for the last fifteen-plus years suffering from PTSD and ailments from serving in Viet Nam. Paul had three children from previous marriages: Paul Lewis Martinez, Angelica Yellowfish, and Wesley Paul Martinez.

Paul attended North Dallas High School in Dallas, Texas and he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Architectural Engineering at Elkins Institute, In Dallas, Texas which was always his lifelong passion for art and sculpture.

Paul was never afraid to be silly and lighthearted. Often his siblings would say, he should have been a comedian. He had a love for animals and was always looking to save a rescue animal when possible. Paul would want to be most remembered for the time he served the country.

Wife, Erma Martinez and children Paul Lewis Martinez, Angelica Yellowfish and Wesley Paul Martinez survive him. Five siblings also survive Paul: Diane Barron, Mary Elizabeth Hernandez, Laurie Wiederman, Gwendolyn Martinez Berry, and Kelly Martinez.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and younger brother and sister, John Robert Martinez, and Shirley Whiteside.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Jeter & Son Funeral Home, Dallas, Texas. A final viewing will be at the funeral home at 9:00 AM, on Monday, July 8, 2024. Military Honors and Interment will follow at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 7, 2024, at Jeter and Son Funeral Home. Family and friends are welcome for a reception after the service at Veterans of Foreign Wars- VFW Post 6796, 9179 Garland Rd, Dallas, Texas 75218.