The Covid Catalog, Gone Too Soon, Juan Martinez.
The Covid Catalog Celebrates Juan Martinez, 73, of Kansas.
Juan Martinez was born in Lasara, Texas on March 7, 1948 to Martin Martinez and Maria De-La Paz Martinez. Preceded in death by his parents; children, Carlos Martinez and Perla Martinez. Survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Maria I. Vela Martinez, Derby, KS; children, Dr. Juan Martinez Jr, Adrian Martinez, Martin Martinez, Enrique Martinez, and Dolores (Loly) Martinez; many grandchildren. Known for his piercing blue eyes and generous nature, he had been dealing with other underlying health conditions for a while, said his youngest daughter, Loly, who now runs Casa Martinez at 204 W. Greenway. It’s one of Derby’s longest-running restaurants. Martinez succumbed to Coronavirus complications on 2nd April 2021.
Juan was a local restaurateur in Wichita and the neighboring town Derby. He was said to have been very close with his customers and would even donate food for events and funerals. He had a large family with seven children. He was well known for his generous heart and ability to make strangers feel like family.
