Richard J. Martinez Sr.

Richard J. Martinez, Sr. 85, of Parsons, passed away at 4:50 a.m., Monday, December 11, 2023 at his home.

He was born on June 3, 1938 in Chanute, Kansas to Manuel and Maria M. (Leon) Martinez. Richard grew up in Independence, KS and attended Independence Schools. Richard proudly served in the United States Marines from 1955 to 1958. After he returned from the Marines he attended Labette Community College.

Richard worked for the Katy Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad for over thirty years as a carman.

After committing to sobriety Richard ran 20 + marathons, including, Chicago, San Francisco and New York City Marathon twice. He also participated in half marathons, tri-athalons, countless 3K, 5K, 10K runs, biking and making lifelong friends along the way. Richard volunteered his time going to the county jail in Oswego and meeting with others to share his story about alcoholism and the effects it had on his life, hoping to help those who he was speaking with. He loved listening to music, walking his dog, Luci and was always faithful in donating dog food to PALS, he was also a generous donator with St. Jude’s and the Wounded Warrior Project. He enjoyed overseas and domestic traveling, several month trips to Fort Worth visiting his daughter, attending Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks and Ranger games, running Dallas Marathon, Cowtown Marathon, 5 & 10K, Race for the Cure in honor of his daughter Yolanda, friends and handing pink rosaries, LLS Light the Night in memory of Travis and spending time with his grandchildren. Richard enjoyed buying rosaries and giving them to special people in his life. He could often be seen at Wal-Mart visiting with his friends.

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