Placido "Shorty" Martinez, Sr., 69 of Blessing, passed away Thursday, April 27, 2006, at Matagorda Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Bay City. He was born October 4, 1936 in Spurr, TX to Jose & Faustina Espinosa Martinez. He was a lifelong resident of Matagorda County and a member of Living Word Church in Palacios.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years: Maria Guerrero Martinez of Blessing; his daughters: Margie Llanes & son-in-law Benjamin, Eva Olguin & fiancé Pete Morales, all of Blessing; his sons and daughters-in-law: Raul Martinez, Adam & Denise Martinez, Jesse Martinez, Tony Martinez, Placido, Jr. & Rhonda Martinez, all of Blessing; by his sisters, Frances Wade of Brenham, Maria Gonzalez of Lyons, and Estefana Gonzalez of Louise; by his brothers Magdaleno Martinez of Lockhart, Don Martinez, Larry Martinez, Nat Martinez & Senon Martinez, all of Somerville; and by 21 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents: Jose & Faustina Martinez and his brothers: Clemente and Victor Martinez.

A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday, April 30, 2006 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, May 1, 2006 at the First Baptist Church of Palacios with Pastor Tony Flores officiating. Interment will follow at Midfield Cemetery in Midfield. Pallbearers will be Alfred Lara, Tiofilo Guerrero, Jr., Richard Rocha, Alonzo Gonzalez, Rickey Gonzalez, and Ray Martinez. Honorary pallbearers will be David Laborde, Oscar Lara, Frank Alameda and Lorenzo Gonzales. Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net