Judge Philip Ray Martinez

The Honorable Philip Ray Martinez, was born July 13, 1957, in El Paso, Texas, and passed away of natural causes on February 26, 2021. He served as a judge at the county, state, and federal levels for over thirty (30) years. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and honors. In addition to being an esteemed jurist, he was fiercely devoted to his family, his friends, and his community. Phil was a man of faith and a lover of music, devoting every morning to praying the rosary and playing piano at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He was a constant advocate for his beloved El Paso. And he was an avid golfer and a firm believer in the power of education. Judge Martinez was educated in El Paso’s public schools, as well as the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and Harvard Law School. He was a proud UTEP Miner and established a scholarship for UTEP undergraduates. He also interviewed students for admission to Harvard University. Above all else, Phil always thought of others before himself and modeled humility and kindness. He was the light of his family and will be greatly missed. His family thanks God for the gracious gift of sixty-three wonderful years with Phil. Judge Martinez is survived by his parents, Phil Martinez, Sr. and Evangelina Martinez; his wife of 36 years, Mayela Del Carmen Martinez; his children, Jaclyn Elysse Martinez Resly (Erik) and Lauren Amanda Martinez Supnet (Axton); his grandson, Robert Philip Supnet; his siblings, Richard Martinez (Martha), Roger Martinez (Selina), Patrick Martinez (Michelle), and Rebecca Sanchez (Joe); and many loved in-laws, nieces and nephews, and godchildren. Phil is also survived by many extended family members, colleagues, and friends to cherish and honor his memory. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, and with the intention that those dear to him who will not attend the services in person can still participate, you may join the Rosary, Funeral Mass, and Burial virtually on Facebook Live (no account needed) at: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetfuneralhome. Streaming will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2021, and 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2021. In-person services are private. In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial contribution to the Philip R. Martinez Endowed Scholarship Fund at UTEP. You can make your donation online at https://givingto.utep.edu/Martinez or by mail via check, payable to UTEP and indicating the endowment name (UTEP Institutional Advancement, 500 W. University, Kelly Hall, 6th Floor, El Paso, TX 79968). Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. https://www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net/