Roll Call Tribute

Samuel Ortiz Martinez 

January 2, 1937 - July 6, 2024 

Sam (Sammy) was born on January 2, 1937 in Ozona, Texas. He passed away July 6, 2024. He was the second child of six born unto Samuel and Juanita Martinez who owned and ran the El Sombrero Café for over 20 years. His siblings consisted of older sister Maria and younger siblings, Bobby, Delma and the twins - Sandra and Yvonne.

Sammy attended Ozona South Elementary (K-8) and graduated from Ozona High School as Salutatorian of his class. In 1959, he graduated from Texas A&M University with an Aeronautical Engineering Degree, when after, he was hired as an engineer for the Astronautics Division of Convair. In October 1959, he married Elva Cardenas from San Antonio. They moved to San Diego to start their journey in life and had their first son Steven in 1960. Soon after they returned to Texas to be closer to their families. In 1962, Sam took his next job in Abilene, Texas where he and Elva had their next two sons David and Christopher.

In 1963, Sam and Elva moved to San Antonio where Sam would work at Kelly Air Force Base. He and Elva had their next two sons Paul and Daniel. Sam worked for the next 26 years at Kelly AFB as an engineer focusing on ejection systems before retiring in 1988.

Sam and Elva always expressed their love for their family. Sam is survived by his wife Elva and his five sons: Steven, and wife Geralyn, David, Chris and wife Denise, Paul, Daniel and wife Sylvia. Seven grandchildren, Jesse, and wife Lynette and great grandson Abel, Jennifer, Adriana and husband Ryan Mohl, Lorie and husband Estephan Melella, Morgan, Zoe and Elisa.

Sam considered himself a very fortunate man to have five sons and a beautiful, caring wife. Sam, who learned carpentry skills from his father, passed on his knowledge of carpentry to all his sons so they could take care of their own homes.

He often emphasized the value of forming strong relationships by working together, enjoying the camaraderie, sharing jokes and good times which created unforgettable memories. He expressed that these were the things that hold a family together and create a legacy to pass on to their own children as his own father had done with him.

Sam is remembered by many as an independent, resourceful man who followed his own path. He seemed to carry with him an inner joy, always knowing how to make himself and others smile. He was adamant of doing things his own way. He was very inquisitive about where people came from. He would strike up a conversation with strangers and by the time he left, people were usually amazed at the insight he had pertaining to their generational background and culture.

All will remember Sam’s mischievous smile when he was caught exaggerating a story or plotting a scheme. He loved to dance, tell jokes that were passed down heard around the campfire while doing ranch work. He loved the classical Mexican songs, rancheras and polkas. But most of all, he expressed his love of listening to this music knowing that Elva was happy with her hobbies or decorating her home. Sam and Elva had a rare and deep love for each other that brought a smile to those who saw them together. We will all miss Sam, his comments and observations but most of all, his mischievous smile.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM with a celebration of life from 9:45 AM to 11:00 AM. Procession will depart Hillcrest at 11:00 AM for a 11:30 AM graveside service at San Fernando Cemetery II.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Paul's Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice.