Francisco "Frank" Martin

Francisco “Frank” Martin, Jr.

October 3, 1934, to July 1, 2023. Frank was born in El Rancherito, Texas to Francisco Martin, Sr. and Maria DeLeon. Frank worked in the fields picking cotton during his time there, married Antonia Martin, and had their son Jesse.  They moved to Ukiah, California in 1958 where their other three children Diana, Mina, and Raquel were born. 

In California he worked in the pear, plum, and grape industry, then in road construction with Abshire Paving, Parnum Paving, and construction at the Geysers.

He was a passionate hunter, and very familiar with the ranches and mountains of Mendocino County.  Those who hunted with him said he was a real “mountain goat”.  He raised hounds and had some of the best hunting dogs around. Frank was well-known for his joke telling, (you may have heard the same joke repeatedly). He loved to tell stories and watch western movies. Frank also played soccer in his earlier years and served as a coach for his team named Tarascos. He worked on cars, could repair anything, build anything, and make anyone laugh. He was truly a jack of all trades.

Frank was the hardest working man. He had the energy of someone half his age and could out dance us all.  He was passionate about Tejano music, loved to play the accordion, guitar/bajo sexto, harmonica and to sing. He was also in multiple music ensembles, one of which was a Norteño music group which performed at the park and around the county.  He was very proud of his community and was the president of the Concilio Latino Americano. 

Frank later moved to Anchorage, Alaska where he worked in the roofing industry for over 26 years. Frank also helped his daughter launch her Mary Kay business and became her first consultant, selling Mary kay products in both California and Alaska. He enjoyed the many friendships he made along the way.

Frank was an active volunteer in his community and church down to that last day.  The morning of July 1st he was serving people in need, bringing them food and water and sharing his laughter with them. His heart was bigger than his chest. 

Frank’s immediate family includes, Jesse Martin, Diana Eazell (Steve Eazell), Mina Kvasnicka (Eric Romandia) Raquel Hale (Chris Hale) and his grandchildren, Eric Martin (Audrey Scott), Allison Martin, Trista Eazell, Alisa Kvasnicka (Jediah Lightner)  Kara Kvasnicka ( Ryan Parra), Kyle Hale ( Christopher Brennan) Shelby Hale, Ellie Hale, and Lexie Hale. 

We thank him for the years of laughs, dancing, and generosity. His presence will be greatly missed by his family and communities.