He was born in Parsons on Oct. 22, 1931, to Aleandro and Maria (DeVera) Martinez. He attended Parsons schools, including East Junior High School and later Parsons Junior College. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and served four years during the Korean War, achieving the rank of master sergeant.
Miguel was employed for 35 years as a lead man for Farmland Meats and Safeway in the meat packing departments. He was involved in many outdoor sports, including hunting, fishing and shooting pistols. He also loved watching old western movies with his family and listening to a variety of music. He enjoyed family activities and often visiting his grandchildren in Kansas City, Parsons and Dodge City.
He and Maria Hernandez, his wife of 53 years, were married in Parsons in 1959. They have lived in Wichita for the past 23 years.
Survivors include his wife, Maria Martinez of the home; five children, Miguel A. Martinez, Martin Martinez and his wife, Sarah, all of Kansas City, Mo., Maria "Rica" Head and her husband, Jed, of Parsons, Elena Helkenn of Aurora, Colo., and Lupe and her husband, Deviln Goldworm, of Hays; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Catie of Wichita; and several nephews and nieces and many close friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, Frank, Horace and Jesse Martinez; and an infant grandchild.
The funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors given by Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. today at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends after the rosary.
Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
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