Dates
Martin R. Vasquez, 93, lived a long and full life defined by hard work, service, family, and a gentle heart for animals. Born on October 12, 1932, in Pecos, Texas, to Geraldo M. Vasquez and Victoria R. Vasquez, Martin carried with him throughout his life the values of determination and caring for those around him.
Visitation will be held from 4: 00P M - 8:00 PM on August 13, 2026 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with with the rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 14, 2026. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home..
Martin proudly served his country in the United States Army from March 3, 1955, until his honorable release from active duty on February 25, 1957. He attained the rank of Specialist Third Class, and his family remained proud of his service throughout his life.
If there was one thing Martin knew, it was the value of a hard day's work. He began working at Crow Packing in Pecos before following his boss to Buchanan, Texas, where he worked in carpentry and maintenance at Crow's Nest Lodge. His journey later brought him to San Angelo, where he worked at Premium Packing until its closure and then at Handy Packing until it, too, closed. Martin held several other jobs over the years and continued working until finally retiring at the remarkable age of 80.
Martin was also known as "Mr. Fix-It." There wasn't much he wouldn't attempt to repair, build, or figure out. He believed in using his hands and getting the job done, a quality his family will always remember about him.
But beneath that hardworking spirit was an especially soft heart for animals. Martin loved them all, but his pugs held a special place in his heart, Rambo 1, Rambo 2, and Rambo 3. He could often be found feeding cats, birds, and dogs, and he even had a special way with the neighborhood squirrels, which he enjoyed feeding and training. If an animal showed up hungry, it had found the right house.
During the COVID years, Martin spent his final years in the comfort of the family home, lovingly cared for by his son Mario, with his son Victor, daughter Eloisa, other family members, and friends making regular visits. Those years were filled with the familiar surroundings of home and the presence of the people who loved him most.
Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Vasquez; his parents, Geraldo M. and Victoria R. Vasquez; and his siblings Maria, Angelita, Dolores, and William R. Vasquez.
He leaves behind his sister, Marianna Herrera and husband Filomeno, as well as several nieces.
Martin is also lovingly remembered by Mario Vasquez, Victor Vasquez, and Eloisa Nevarez; grandchildren, Alex Nevarez III, Marc Vasquez and wife Morgan, and Abbie Rivera; and great-grandchildren Ruben Vasquez and Marc Vasquez Jr., all of San Angelo.
Ninety-three years gave Martin a lifetime of stories-a young man from Pecos who served his country, worked with his hands, followed opportunity wherever it led, loved his family, cared for
God's smallest creatures, and never seemed afraid of a job that needed doing. His was not simply a long life, but a life built through decades of hard work, perseverance, life lessons, and love.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Angels Care Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Martin and his family during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Martin's memory consider making a donation to Meals for the Elderly, an organization whose work reflects the importance of caring for our seniors with dignity and compassion.
Martin's family will remember him in countless ways-in things he fixed, in stories from his working years, in the animals gathering outside waiting to be fed, and in the quiet routines of home. After 93 years, he leaves behind something that cannot be measured simply in years: a lifetime of memories and a family who will carry his love and his stories forward.
May he rest peacefully, reunited with his beloved Martha and those who went before him.
Serving as pallbearers will be Marc Vasquez, Ruben Vasquez, Alex Nevarez III, Antonio Garcia, Alex Nevarez, and Jeff Simmons.