Andrew Martinez Jr.

Andrew Martinez Jr.

September 28, 1937 - September 6, 2026

A Mass of Christian Burial for Andrew Martinez Jr., 88, of Lawrence, Kansas, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. A Rosary and visitation will be held from 6:00 ~ 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas.

Andrew passed away on September 6, 2026, at KU Medical Center.

While going through papers around the house we found a folder Andrew had put away. In that folder Andrew had written out his own obituary. At this time, the family would like to share Andrew’s own words with all of you.

Andrew was born on September 28, 1937, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Andres and Ramona (Mata) Martinez. The family worked hard all their lives to live the American Dream. Their hard work was paying off until the Ottawa flood in 1951 wiped them out mentally, physically, and financially. Despite these tragic events Andrew went on to finish High School and took part in High School sports such as football, basketball, and track. He worked a few jobs in Ottawa before deciding to head East to see what life had instore for him. Andrew got as far as Lawrence where he ended up meeting the love of his life, Helen Chavez.

Andrew married Helen Chavez on June 27, 1959, in Lawrence, Kansas. Andrew and Helen started a beautiful family, four boys and a beautiful little girl. Times were tough but through the Grace of God they were Blessed. Andrew got a job working as a plumbing contractor, where he learned a lot and eventually decided to open his own plumbing business, Martinez Plumbing. He then went on to become a Master Plumber and was appointed to The Lawrence Plumbing Board. He and Helen enjoyed working together serving the members of the Lawrence community for 33 years. After all their hard work they decided to take a break from the family business and travel to Europe. Andrew and Helen had the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage around Europe where they enjoyed visiting the Holy Sites and having time to reflect. After having a beautiful time around Europe, they came home to restart their family business where they worked hard until they finally decided to retire. In Andrew’s retirement he spent most of his life enjoying Lawrence and watching KU & Kansas City Chiefs sporting events. He loved doing little things around the house and helping others to keep him active until the Lord called him Home.

Other survivors include his children, David Martinez, Angela (Glenn) Minor, Paul Martinez, Steven Martinez, James Martinez, siblings, Johnny Martinez, Ruth Romero, Susie Bermudez, Kathy Martinez-Carpenter, five grandchildren, Madison (Juan) Arroyo, Michelle Minor, Jordan Martinez, Mason Martinez, Michael Minor, three great-grandchildren, Sofia Arroyo, Bella Arroyo, and Moises Arroyo.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Frank Martinez, Mary Knox, and daughter-in-law, Theresa Martinez.

Andrew was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather whose memories will live on through his family.