Manuel Martinez

Manuel Martinez was born and raised in Higgins, Texas. One of 12 children to José L. Martinez and Ysabel Munoz Martinez. Manuel follows his parents and 11 siblings Moses, Alex, John, Louis, Paul, Josephine, Juanita, Margaret, Fidel, Joe Ray and Jesus.

Manuel joined the U.S. Army in 1952 and served his country with an honorable discharge in 1960. He then moved to Long Island New York to work for N.Y. State Pilgrim Psychiatric Hospital and where he raised his 6 children Cindy, Richard, Andrea, Juanita, Gina and Amanda and retiring in 1987.

An avid bass guitar player and his love for country music, he played in several country and western bands in N.Y. and continued his playing alongside his brothers and sister upon his return home to Higgins in 1995. To add to his accomplishments, Manuel co-wrote his song titled "Higgins, Texas" that has aired on the radio.

He leaves his legacy behind with his 6 children, 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Manuel will be laid to rest alongside his parents in Higgins Cemetery.