Martin B. Cruz, Sr

Martin Cruz, aged 99, peacefully passed away on September 14, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. Born on July 2, 1926, in Lyford, Texas, he was the son of Joaquin Cruz and Guadalupe Buiz Cruz.

Throughout his life, Martin dedicated himself to farming, a profession that reflected his deep connection to the land. He found joy in his leisure activities, which included cultivating a vegetable garden, singing, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Fresnos Falcons, and enjoying the melodies of Mariachi music, particularly fond of accordion players with whom he often sang along.

Martin is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Petra Cruz; his son, Martin Cruz Jr.; his granddaughter, Jennifer Salas, and his parents. He is survived by his children: Lupita Escobedo (Charlie), Rose Salas, Trina Gamez, Nina Cox, Sylvia Treviño (Dennis), Diana Brannan (Denny), Silver Cruz, Roy Cruz, and Celina Cruz. He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Rose Mary Cruz, and numerous grandchildren who cherish his memory: Adrian, Mandy, Chris, Jessica, Kelly, Sal, Erica, Gabby, Rebekah, Isaac, Eli, Rexie, Josh, Monica, Liza, Bianca, Nadia, Brian, Michael, Dominic, Lorenzo, Rebecca, Olivia, and Ethan.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Rosalinda Morales for her compassionate care and support over the last two years.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, where a recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at 5:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Following the service, Martin will be laid to rest at Cruz Cemetery in Los Fresnos, Texas.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are his grandsons.