Manuel "Manny" Martinez Jr.

Manuel Martinez of Bastrop, Texas, passed away on September 27, 2021, at the age of 59 in Bastrop.

Manuel was born in Cotulla, Texas to Manuel and Maria Martinez on February 8, 1962. He graduated from Cotulla High School in 1981 and after ran Track and Field for what was then known as Texas A&I University. He graduated from St. Edward’s University with a degree in Public Safety Management in 2010.

He proudly worked as a police officer for the Austin Police Department for 24 years. His career included time on the SWAT Team, Bike Patrol, and the Training Academy. He received several awards including Meritorious Unit Citation, Superior Service, and Honorable Conduct. During his time as a police officer, he also competed in the Texas and National Police Olympics in running, biking, and shooting competitions. After he retired, he continued to pursue his passion for fitness and became a certified personal trainer.

Always the athlete, throughout his life he enjoyed training for and running ultramarathons. He didn’t know anything about soccer, but he taught himself and coached his children’s soccer teams. He was a great teacher and coaching came natural to him. Manuel instilled a love of the outdoors with his children and often also took his nieces and nephews on hikes and camping trips. He enjoyed working out at the gym, giving people nicknames no one asked for, and hating on Texas A&M.

Manuel is survived by his children, Hilary, Briana and Manuel “MJ” Martinez; his brother Martin (Georgia) Martinez; his sisters, Maricella (Joe) Guerrero, Marisa (Victor) Villarreal, Melba (Sonny) Ruiz; his mother, Maria Martinez; his niece Melisa Martinez, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Manuel is preceded in death by his father, Manuel L. Martinez

Visitation will be from 11 AM to 2 PM on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Providence Funeral Home of Bastrop.

Funeral services will be held from 2 PM to 3 PM at Providence Funeral Home of Bastrop. Burial will follow at Alta Vista Cemetery in Bastrop.