Antonio Martinez, 79, of Nappanee, died Sunday at 2:40 a.m. at Elkhart County Hospice House.

He was born June 19, 1935, in Saginaw, Mich., to Jose and Tomasa (Cruz) Sanchez. He moved to the Nappanee area in 1997. He worked for CJ Rogers Construction until he started his own business Martinez Construction and Sons in Michigan. He retired from there and worked at McCormick Motors in Nappanee until his retirement. He was an avid deer hunter, and he enjoyed camping, motorcycles and trucks. Antonio married Maria Villanueva on Jan. 26, 1961, in Saginaw.

She survives, along with sons: Mark Martinez, Elkhart; Christopher Martinez, Mishawaka; Greg Martinez, Austin, Texas; daughters: Stephanie (Gregory) Sieja, Lakeville, Minn.; Lisa (Chris) Bean, Nappanee; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers: Tom Martinez, Austin, Texas; Frank Martinez, Saginaw; and sisters: Janie Martinez, Brunswick, Maine; Connie Delgado, Saginaw.

He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Cremation will take place and there will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the First Church of God in Nappanee.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.