Larry D. Martinez
April 28, 1951 - September 4, 2026

Larry D. Martinez, a proud Marine, Purple Heart recipient, Vietnam Veteran, and retired California Highway Patrol Officer, passed away on September 4, 2026, in Modesto, California.  He was surrounded by his loved ones and held close by the family who meant the world to him.  He was 75 years old.  A resident of Los Banos, California, Larry was born on April 28, 1951, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Jose Ben Martinez and Virginia Schmehl. 

Larry served his country with distinction in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart.  He was a true hero and survivor who lived with Parkinson’s disease with courage and strength.

Following his military service, Larry continued a life of service through his career with the California Highway Patrol, from which he later retired.

Larry found joy in the simple things, fishing, camping, and taking long drives with his family.  Above all, Larry lived for his family.  They were the center of his life and his greatest source of pride and happiness.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Wai Martinez; his four daughters, Susan Jones (Chris), Michelle Martinez, Mai Martinez (Dominic), and Kim Martinez (Servando); his seven grandchildren, Ariella (Ary) Martinez, Adrian (AJ) Mojica, Christopher Mojica, Chloe Fragoso, Leila Martinez, Landen Martinez, and Cervando Miranda; and his brothers David Martinez and Ruben Martinez.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Ben Martinez and Virginia Schmehl.

Larry will be remembered for his quiet strength, his service to his country and community, and above all, his unwavering love and devotion to his family.  He was a son, a brother, a loving husband, father, grandfather, father in law, friend and true hero.  His love, strength, and legacy will live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched.  He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

LARRY D MARTINEZ

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