Serafin Vargas Martinez   Age: 80

Peacefully passed away at his residence on September 30,2024 at the age of 80. He was born in Moulton, Texas on July 24,1944 born to Antonio and Petra Martinez and was the youngest of 9 children.

He left a legacy of hard work, love and devotion to his family and community. Serafin was raised in Waelder, Texas.

As a young child Serafin migrated to West Texas with his family to work in the fields and at the cotton gin. Serafin worked in Road Construction and a meat market as a butcher in Waelder before moving to Lubbock. Serafin moved to Lubbock and was employed, by Liberty Co-op Gin for over 45 years. Serafin was a skilled Cotton Ginner for several years until he was promoted to Superintendent of Liberty Co-op Gin. Serafin was a member of the Texas Cotton Ginners Association. He was dedicated and loved his job. Serafin was known well, by Farmers and Ranchers in surrounding area where he worked. When Serafin retired, Farmers stated “What are we going to do without Serafin” due to his dedication! He retired in 2015 at the age of 70.

Serafin had a love for cattle and raised cattle in his spare time for several years until he became ill. He had a talent for making beef sausage where on occasion he would gather with his brothers and family to make smoked beef sausage.  He enjoyed fishing, music, gambling at casinos, and spending time with family and friends. Serafin was known by his grandchildren as “Popo” and close family members as “Tito or Fine”.

Serafin married Maria Alisia Gonzales in 1987, and renewed his marriage vows in 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he was a member.

Serafin was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers Daniel, Angel, Manuel and David Martinez. 3 sisters Josephine Mendoza, Pauline Romo and Alice Esparza. 2 half-sisters Senaida Martinez and Delia Garcia.

Serafin is survived by his wife Maria Martinez, one sister Aurora Ramirez from California, 2 half-sisters Leonor Andrade and Tonya Rivera, half-brother Ezekiel Martinez, children 3 sons Serafin Jr (Patricia) children Vanessa, Ashley, Sara, Savannah, Leslie.  Anthony (Linda) Tony and Matthew, Leroy (Michelle) Joshua, Johnathan, Leroy Jr. Martinez and daughter Sylvia children Erica, Cristina, Joyce (Billy) Flores, Stepdaughter Michelle Martinez, 2 Step grandsons Alexander (Cristina)and Gabriel (Mikayla) Gonzales, step great-granddaughters Raya Gonzales, X’zeallia Montoya-Modesto all from Lubbock. 13 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren.

Serafin will be greatly missed by his family. Visitation will be held from 3:00pm- 9:00pm on Monday, October 7,2024 at Guajardo Funeral Chapels with a Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00p.m.. a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 1603 Cherry Ave, Interment will follow at Peaceful Gardens 15602 Loop 493 Lubbock, TX.

Pallbearer’s

Tony Martinez, Matthew Martinez, Jonathan Martinez, Manuel Martinez, Frank Garcia,

Rick Villarreal, Dimas Vargas and Alexander Gonzales