Domingo "Mingo" J. Martinez's Obituary
Weslaco- Domingo "Mingo" J. Martinez, a loving husband, talented musician, and dedicated community member, passed away on January 26, 2025, at Knapp Medical Center, surrounded by family. Born on April 26, 1959, in McAllen, Texas, Mingo lived a life characterized by kindness, confidence, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.Mingo's story is one of love, dedication, and hard work. He met Elsa Almaraz, a young widow, while playing in his band. After asking her to dance, they became inseparable. They married in 1989 and spent a lifetime together, with Mingo's love for Elsa shining through in every action.Mingo's career was a vibrant mosaic of passions and talents. He was an accomplished musician, playing the keyboard in various bands, including Grupo Kaliente and Grupo Mayo. He was also a gifted carpenter with an unmatched ability to fix or build anything. His entrepreneurial spirit further led him to help Elsa run a successful home-based tamale business, weaving his talents into every facet of their life. In the final fifteen years of his career, Mingo brought his expertise to Lab Corp, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and skill.Mingo's educational background included a diploma from PSJA High School and an Associate's Degree in Computer Science, further underpinning his versatility as a "jack-of-all-trades." His vibrant personality shone through in everything he did-he was loving, intelligent, and always able to diffuse any stressful situation with his sense of humor. Mingo wasn't just a skilled worker; he was also a generous soul who helped friends, family, and others with home projects, repairs, or anything that required know-how.Mingo's love for life extended beyond his work and family; he found deep satisfaction in his hobbies and passions. As an avid fisherman, he cherished trips to Mustang Bay, Fish Pass, the South Padre Island Jetties, and Corpus Christi, where the rhythm of casting his line brought him peace and joy. Even when life was busy, Mingo made time to fish along the canal, savoring those quiet moments. Music was another vital part of his soul-he not only took pride in writing and performing but also found immense fulfillment in the melodies he created. His musical accomplishments were a true source of pride throughout his life, a reflection of his talent and dedication.Mingo's creativity wasn't limited to music; he was also a talented artist with a passion for drawing. His ability to capture beauty and emotion through his art added another layer to his rich, multifaceted life. Whether through the strum of his keyboard or the stroke of a pencil, Mingo expressed himself with a rare depth, leaving a legacy of both creative works and the love he poured into everything he did.Mingo had a rare gift for making people feel truly seen and valued. His ability to connect with others went beyond age and time, maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends across generations. One of his special traits was his knack for creating unique, heartfelt nicknames for each person in his life. These personal touches made everyone he interacted with feel cherished and unforgettable, a testament to his thoughtful and loving nature. His genuine connections were a reflection of the deep bonds he forged, showing just how much he cared for those around him. Whether it was family, old friends, or new acquaintances, Mingo's presence left an imprint that lasted a lifetime.Mingo was preceded in death by his parents, Roberto and Antonia (Villarreal) Martinez; his siblings, Roy Martinez (San Juanita), Roberto Martinez (Cruz), Maria Louisa Ordonez, and Janie Salinas; and his niece, Melinda Rodriguez. He is survived by his loving wife, Elsa; daughter, Linda Cowell (Timothy); sons, Domingo Jose Martinez Jr. (Angelina), Jose Manuel Mata, Jr., Rudy Mata (Zita), and Daniel Mata (Kristalee); siblings, Maria Sanchez (Juan), Sylvia Ocañas, Rachel Chavez (Ismael), Gloria Lopez (Manny), Rosie Perez, Dolores Fortuna (Rafa), Jesse Martinez (Eva), Pete Martinez (Alicia), Ruben Martinez (Rosie), sister-in-law, San Juanita Martinez, brothers-in-law, Leonel Ordonez and Rene Salinas; grandchildren, Victoria Martinez, Landon Cowell, Brendan McGrew, Jose Mata III (Brianna), Elsa Michelle Mata, Joshua Mata, Isaí Mata, Diego Mata, Alliana Salinas, Luis Salinas, JuliAnn Padilla, Joey Quintero III, Rudy Mata Jr., Thomas Daniel Mata, Antonio Joaquin "AJ" Mata, Christina Jazlyn Mata, Alyssa Leija, Jonah Mata, Caleb Mata, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at McCaleb Funeral Home, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass will be held in his honor on Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco, Texas, starting at 1:00 PM. Mingo will be laid to rest at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes. As we mourn the loss of Domingo "Mingo" J. Martinez, we also celebrate the indelible mark he has left on our lives. His kind spirit, musical talent, and dedication to family will continue to inspire all who knew him.
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