Manuel “Hito” Martinez, III, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital, at the age of 56 years, 3 months, 11 days.

“Hito” as he was affectionately called by those that knew him, was born on October 7, 1955, the son of Manuel Martinez, Jr., and Francisca Villarreal Martinez. Hito grew up in Kenedy and graduated from Kenedy High School.

Mr. Martinez is preceded in death by his mother, Francisca Martinez; and his sisters, Mariana Cano and Guadalupe Martinez.

Hito is survived by his wife, Eloisa Ochoa Martinez; his daughter, Amy Martinez of Gonzales, TX.; his sons, Chris Pena and Jeon Martinez, both of Kenedy; his sisters, Magdalena Martinez, Matrina Wright and husband Larry, Maria Rosales and husband Elias, Matilda Martinez, Margarita Garcia and Mary Jane Martinez; his brothers, Martin Martinez and wife Esperanza, Elias Martinez and wife Nina, Domingo Martinez and Mark Martinez and wife Debra. He also leaves behind his eight grandchildren.

A rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 20, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass began at 2:00 P.M., Saturday January 21, 2012 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with interment following at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.