Mr. Santos Martinez of Sanger passed away Monday June 2, 2025 in Clovis surrounded by his family.  Santos was born May 6, 1958 in Progresso, Texas to Sabina and Valentin Martinez. In 1968 in moved to California, eventually settling in Sanger where he met his high school sweetheart, Martha Maestas. In 1974, 2 days before his 16th birthday they married settled in Sanger and started their family.  First born was their son, Manuel, and three years later, Kathleen.
Santos worked hard as a sole provider, holding multiple jobs until he found a full-time position with Tange Brothers in the 1980s.  He worked full-time while also getting his GED, followed by night classes in college for Mechanics.  In around 1995, he began work for Quinn Caterpillar, where he obtained further training in mechanics.  He then worked for ALW Enterprises for a short time before taking a full time position with Pape' Machinery in 2013. He was still employed there with hopes of retiring this year.
As a person, Santos was caring and patient. He could make an adventure out of anything, no money needed.  His greatest hobby in life was fishing.  He loved being out on the lake in his boat and said that was where he felt closest to God, surrounded by nature.  He loved to learn how to do anything and everything, and before the internet, he would read books to learn how to make or fix things, until YouTube came along.  He passed on his knowledge to all who needed help.  He loved to weld and make metal art, he even created tools to help make mechanical jobs easier at work and at home.
Family was always front and center for Santos.  He loved celebrating his birthday with a big party, where every year he would give a heartfelt speech on how important family is and how thankful he was to have us. He would always end the night with everyone singing their favorite karaoke songs.
Santos is survived by his loving wife of 51 years; Martha, his daughter Kathleen and her husband Eduardo. Grandchildren David and Rebecca. Sisters Toni, Leonarda, and Christy.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Sabina and Valentin, sisters Terry and Juana, and son Manuel.
Santos was the Sun in our family's universe.  He was the light in dark times that you could rely on, a helping hand when you needed him, an advice giver, and a logical thinker in times of peril.  He also taught us to be strong and carry on, and so we shall till God calls us all home and we meet again.
Thank you for loving him as much as we did…