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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF ANDREW AND ILA MARTINEZ
______
HON. KEVIN BRADY
of texas
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 25, 2019
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of Andrew
and Ila Martinez of Huntsville, Texas.
Andrew and Ila, beloved parents and lifelong Texans, spent their
lives in service to others, and today, we remember all that they stood
for. Andrew ``Andy'' Martinez was born in Galveston, Texas and later
became a proud member of the Huntsville community. His multifaceted
career path included time spent as a proud small business owner of
Martinez Tire and Supply, a construction safety supervisor for the
Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), and as an ordained
minister. A faithful and steadfast Christian, Andy served as the
interim pastor of Faith Memorial Baptist Church, and was an active
member of several other churches in the Huntsville area.
Andy's faithfulness, generosity, and love for those around him was
not only evident on Sundays--it was visible every day of his life. Andy
served the Huntsville community in a variety of public roles. He was an
elected member of the Huntsville City Council, the Director for Trinity
River Authority's Walker County Area, a member of the Board of Trustees
for Huntsville lSD, and Chairman of the Republican Party of Walker
County. Andy also acted as a Prison Ministry Volunteer in Huntsville--a
position he held for over 30 remarkable years. Those who knew Andy will
attest to his sincere selflessness. He always worked towards leaving
the Huntsville community better than he found it.
Ila Martinez was Andy's wonderful wife of over 63 years and was not
only a devoted partner to him, but was a loving mother and active in
the community as well. A leading member of the Republican Party of
Walker County, Ila was involved in the Red Hat Ladies and the Calendar
Girls, a group of friends from Conroe High School that would meet once
a month at lunchtime. Ila had a great love for volunteering and was
often working with the Walker County Republican women or at her church
library. Ila was a doting grandmother and her greatest pleasure was
teaching her beloved granddaughters how to sew and bake.
Andy and Ila had two daughters, Andrea Scott and the late Debbie
Martinez, and a son, Russell Martinez. Andy and Ila are survived by
Andrea and her husband Wayne; their son, Russell; two beautiful
grandchildren, Angela Stacks and husband Jared; Mika Spears and her
husband Neal; and three great-grandchildren: Draper Stacks, Megan
Anthony, and Trent Spears.
The legacy of Andy and Ila will always be a part of the Huntsville
community, kept alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
Both were selfless servants dedicated to bettering the lives of those
around them, and they will be greatly missed.
____________________
