Paul Martinez, Jr.

Paul D. Martinez 

DAVENPORT - A public celebration of life for Paul D. Martinez, 66, of Davenport, will be held Saturday, November 23rd, at Starlite Ballroom at The Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds at 2 pm. Paul passed away on Thursday, November 14th, at MercyOne Genesis.

Paul was born October 2nd, 1958, in Moline, the son of Paul Sr. and Lupe (Mendoza) Martinez. He married the love of his life, Mary Jo, on July 29th, 1997. Paul grew up running around the family restaurant, the Martinez Taco House in downtown Davenport, which he eventually ran for many years. He ultimately retired from Kraft Heinz. 

Paul was known for his infectious laughter, quick wit, iconic sense of humor, and, of course, his appreciation for “the best” local restaurants. You could always find him rooting for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Cubs (although you’d only catch him in Yankees gear) or talking of his glory days winning the 1977 state championship with the Central Blue Devils. Paul also loved the “golden oldies,” and there would never be a song or artist (or year of publication) he wouldn’t know. In fact, you could expect to be quizzed on it.

Paul's laugh could be recognized anywhere, and he made it a point to make everyone he came in contact with laugh and entertained from their conversations (or utterly confused!) Paul never met a stranger, and you knew you had a friend for life after meeting Paul.

Paul accomplished many things throughout his life, but his biggest accomplishment was his children. With them, he enjoyed a good meal and then a nice drive around town, reliving the “glory days” while listening to Philadelphia Freedom. 

Survivors include his current wife, Mary Jo Martinez, and previous wife, Brigitte Watson. His surviving children are his daughter, Deseara Watson, son, Paul Martinez III (Sara Antle), daughter, Adrina Martinez, daughter, Brianna Martinez (Kyle Sheil-Brown), and daughter, Whitney Martinez. Paul’s surviving siblings include sister Joann (Steve) Venghaus, Linda (Mike) Clark, Julie (Anthony) Scott, and Stephen Edwards. Paul’s surviving grandchildren are Laila, Laven, Samara, and Joshua. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Danny Martinez, and his parents, Paul and Lupe Martinez. 

The family would like to sincerely thank the Davita Kidney Dialysis Center staff for their dedication, care, and treatment of Paul. 

Please offer your condolences and expressions of sympathy to the family on his Memory Page at mvcremation.com