Rodolfo "Rudy" Martinez, 66, of Bay City passed away November 20, 2023.  He was born June 4, 1957 in Port Lavaca, Texas to the late Aurelio Martinez and Maria Ana (Espinosa) Martinez.

Rudolph was a man who had great friends and an extended host of loyal family members.

His pride and joy was his family, The love of his life, Rita, "His beautiful daughter," as he called Erica and his son Matthew whom he was so proud of for obtaining his engineering degree from Texas A&M. His favorite time was cherishing his grandchildren, Michael Henry and Thomas.  It's amazing how much Michael, 3, has learned from his PAPA. Thomas would light up when his PAPA came in the room reaching for him to be held.

A man who could fix anything and everything, also spent much time researching his projects which were precise and accurate.  There was always admiration for his work.  He was a man who helped everyone in need and a man of many trades and talents.

His presence with the El Zarape family was also valued. He was always stopping in to lend a helping hand and make sure everything was in working order.

Rudolph can be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a love for animals, an expert welder, a rancher and foremost a family man.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Michael Martinez and his brothers Larry and Rene Martinez.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Martinez; daughter Erica Nowak & husband Daniel; son Matthew Martinez and grandchildren Michael Henry Nowak and Thomas Christopher Nowak.  He is also survived by his siblings Rosa Pena, Ramiro Martinez, Tony Martinez & wife Carol, Irma Gonzalez & husband Pete and Sylvia Martinez; brothers-in-law Ray Garcia and Mundy Garcia; sisters-in-law Rosie Rodriguez & husband Rolando and Regina Garcia and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church.  A rosary will be recited at 1:30 with Funeral Mass at 2:00 PM.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.  Pallbearers will be Roland Rodriguez, Robert Rodriguez, Carlos Moreno, Brandon Duplantis, Chuck Moreno and Ernie Garcia. Honorary pallbearers are Rolando Rodriguez and Anthony Jiminez.