Guadalupe Martinez Jr. "Lupe"

Guadalupe Contreras "Lupe" Martinez Jr., 82, of Commerce passed away at his residence in Country Home Estates on Sunday evening September 5, 2021, with caring staff at his side. "Lupe", as everyone knew him, was born February 9, 1939 to Guadalupe Sr. and Sabina Pompa Martinez. He married Billie Archeleata-Leatherwood in August of 1977, along with her five children. Billie and Lupe made their home in Commerce, raising the children and enjoying their lives.

Lupe attended Commerce Independent Schools, graduating High School in 1957. He was a very popular student, serving as Sophomore Class Vice President, Junior Class Treasurer, Student Council Treasurer, FHA Sweetheart and Friendliest Boy. He attended Paris Junior College on a football scholarship, graduating from there in 1959 and then going on to attend East Texas State University where he graduated with a Business Degree and a minor in Spanish. Lupe was employed with E-Systems of Greenville and retired from the company.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters: J.C. Martinez and wife Jill of Indiana, Mary Martinez of Austin, Tino Martinez and wife Maria of New Braunfels, Johnny Martinez and wife Marna of Sulphur Springs, Paul Martinez and wife Cindy of New Mexico, Ralph Martinez of Tyler and Patrica Thompson of Commerce. Other survivors include, children: Kelsie Council of Terrell, Kelly Leatherwood of Terrell, Kerri Bailey of Ohio and Kevin Leatherwood of Terrell,  grandchildren: Kelly Leatherwood, Kody Leatherwood, Kama Senter, Kayde Evans, Kolton Leatherwood, and Kasey Leatherwood, and three great grandsons and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friend of many years, Jayne Williams. Lupe was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 37 years, Billie, daughter Kimmie Leatherwood, grandsons: K.C. Leatherwood and Chandler Morris, brother, Tony Martinez and sister, Margaret Martinez.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021 at the Jones-Walker Funeral Chapel in Commerce.  Bro.Terry Bryan will officiate the service and grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers and his coffee club buddies are honorary pallbearers. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the ladies of Country Home Estates for their love and care during Lupe's last few days. He truly loved you all.

The family requests that masks be worn by those who attend the services.