Edward ‘Ed’ James Martinez, 82, died February 17, 2024, at his home in Wichita, KS. He was born August 8, 1941, in Halstead, KS, to Santiago “Jim” P. Martinez and Maria Santos (Baltierra) Martinez.
Ed was a graduate of Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. He served in the Kansas National Guard. Ed was an instructor at Hutchinson Community College for 14 years and was one of the organizers of the HCC Mexican American Advisory Committee. While in college, he served on the Affirmative Action Committee advocating for equality. He was employed in the family-owned business, Martinez and Sons, a manufacturing machine shop. Ed then went to work at Mission Tortillas and retired as the district sales manager for Tortilla King.
He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson, KS. He served on numerous boards and committees, such as the American Red Cross, Farmers Home Administration, Hutchinson Public Library Board, Our Lady of Guadalupe Athletic Committee, and First Call for Help to name just a few. Ed coached the Hutchinson Los Lobos Fastpitch Softball Team for over 25 years. On October 24, 1964, he married Mary Louise Sapien. They later divorced.
Ed is survived by: his children, Eddie Martinez and Jenna (Damian) Martinez, both of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Vinnie (Kendra) Martinez, Tori (Krystal) Martinez, Taylor (Adrian) Marquez, Jayden Martinez, Jaykob (Rylie) Martinez, Alex Martinez, and Nic Martinez; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Allie, Sophia, Giovanni, Grayson, Lyncoln, Avery, and Crew; siblings, Ruby (Pete) Curiel, Julian (Beka) Martinez, Connie (Chris) Ybarra, Ernie Martinez, Cynthia Martinez; his beloved dog, Bailey and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, David Martinez; and sister, Stella Bribiesca.
Parish Rosary will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2024, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchinson, KS. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, KS. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024, with the family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.