Santos Angel Martinez

Santos Angel Martinez, 65, of Littlefield passed away Thursday, January27, 2022 in Lubbock. He was born on October 2, 1956 in Littlefield to Trinidad Martinez and Carmelita (Guzman) Martinez.

He married Mary Helen Sanchez on November 19, 1988 in Littlefield at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He worked as a pump operator for Birkelbach Pumps for many years before retiring. He liked fishing, golfing, and watching football, especially his Dallas Cowboys. Most of all, he loved his family. He was a loving husband and father, and a wonderful "Popo" to his granddaughter, Krysti, whom he adored. Santos also loved his nieces and nephews like his own and had a way with k.ids. Children gravitated to him, because of his sweet spirit and smile. He was known for giving everyone he cared about a nickname. Santos was a simple man, but a happy man and liked the small things in life, like sitting out by his fire pit with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Helen Martinez of Littlefield; a son, Christopher Sanchez and wife, Irma of Jacksonville, Florida; his granddaughter, Krysti Dannyelle Sanchez of Jacksonville, Florida; a brother, Juan Martinez and wife, Rosa of Shallowater; eight sisters, Lucia Coronado and husband, Emilio of Littlefield, Frances Silvas of Shallowater, Dominga Estrada and husband, Albert ofLittlefield, Eugenia Estrada and husband, Leo of Amherst, Jesusita Martinez ofLittlefield, Gregoria Balderas ofLittlefield, Cruz Martinez of Littlefield and Antonia Lopez and husband, Ascencio ofldaho Falls, Idaho; and numerous, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and five sisters.

Funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Littlefield with Father Brian Wood officiating. ]nterment will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, with Nicholas Martinez, Michael Mattinez, Sean Eric Vargas, Rudy Ortega, Sonny Sanchez and Jeremy Ybarra serving as pallbearers. Rosary was recited Tuesday evening in Grace Chapel at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield.