Thomas "Tom" Barranco Martinez

Thomas “Tom” Barranco Martinez, age 78, longtime resident of Topeka, KS, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Arizona.

He was born the son of Jose and Concepcion (Barranco) Martinez on March 7, 1946, in Topeka, KS. Tom graduated from Topeka High School. After High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged after serving during the Vietnam War as an Electronics Technician.

One of Tom’s goals was to get a college education which he did later in life, graduating from Washburn University. During his working career, Tom was employed by Southwestern Bell and retired from AT&T, working as an engineer for many years.

Growing up in a large family, Tom loved to be with his family. He took great pride in being involved in his children’s activities, celebrating birthdays and having get-togethers with everyone. Birthdays were an important day not only for Tom but for those celebrating their own. Those celebrations included cake and ice cream (a must in Tom’s eye) along with a Hallmark birthday card (nothing but the best, as he would say).” Tom loved to own nice trucks and with his outgoing personality, he was able to find the best deals as he was able to wheel and deal on items. He enjoyed going to the gym, church, casino, and traveling.

Tom was a member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus OLG Nate Morales Council #11777, and after the 1951 flood, he was active with the “Bottoms Club.”

Although Tom spent most of his life in Topeka, he spent several years in Chicago and most recently in Arizona.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Cathi Newsham-Martinez; five children, Rhonda Hamilton (Chris), John Sandella (Jeanne), Tom Martinez, Daniel Martinez, and Alec B. Martinez; one stepdaughter, Genni Boyles (Mitch), and stepson, Brent Newsham. He leaves behind his seven grandchildren, Tricia, Cody, Megan, Troy, Zack, Dallas, Ray; and five great grandchildren, Britton, Leighton, Conley, Aaron, and Harli. Tom also leaves behind his large loving family of ten siblings, Jose Martinez (Celeste), Juaquin Martinez (Kelli), Maria Martinez, Juanita Hicks (Rich), Barbara Martinez (Frank), Susie Bucia (Steve), Pedro Martinez, Faustino “Tino” Martinez (Demia), Phyllis Quaderer (Daryl) Rosemary Martinez and a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Nancy & Greta Martinez; his first wife, Barbara A. Martinez; and three siblings, Eva Gonzales, Ambrosio Martinez, and Carlos Martinez.

He will lie in state on Monday, August 5, 2024, from 4-7:00 P.M., with a rosary led by the Knight of Columbus OLG Nate Morales Council #11777 being said at 6:30 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Tuesday, August 6, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Tom's memory to American Heart Association, Wounded Warrior Project, and/or Cancer Research Fund-Kansas State University Foundation. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.