MANUEL MARTINEZ

Manuel Martinez, 59, of Bastrop, died on September 27, 2021. He was born in Cotulla to Manuel and Maria Martinez on February 8, 1962.
He is preceded in death by his father Manuel L. Martinez.
Manuel is survived by his mother, children Hilary, Briana and Manuel “MJ” Martinez, brother Martin (Georgia) Martinez, sisters Maricella (Joe) Guerrero, Marisa (Victor) Villarreal, Melba (Sonny) Ruiz, niece Melisa Martinez and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He graduated from Cotulla High School in 1981 and 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.
Manuel 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.
His hobbies included training for and running ultramarathons and despite a lack of knowledge of soccer, taught himself to play the sport and coached his children’s soccer teams. He enjoyed being outdoors with his children and often also took his nieces and nephews on hikes and camping trips.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5 at Providence Funeral Home of Bastrop.
Funeral services will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home of Bastrop. Burial will follow at Alta Vista Cemetery in Bastrop.