Phil Salas Martinez

A LIFE WELL LIVED. A LIFE OF LOVE AND CARING FOR GOD, COUNTRY AND FAMILY .... (Spurs, Orioles and Cowboys, too) From San Antonio, TX to the USMC, then Japan, the Philippines and eventually Korea where he broke an ankle and suffered frost bite. Back to Camp Pendleton. Then Vietnam happened. Off to war again, and two tours of duty. He saved his platoon while under fire and was awarded the Bronze Star with V for Valor. Back in Camp Pendleton he taught classes in weapons and tactics to new, young recruits. In retirement, he lived in Oceanside, CA and later in Carlsbad, CA where he enjoyed working at Kelly Elementary School for several years. Upon moving to a new home in Temecula, CA he found that he missed working with kids so he took a job as a crossing guard for the Temecula School District until it became a difficult chore. During retirement he and his wife, Jeannine, traveled extensively by train, plane and ship. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church and faithfully attended services. They also adopted a teeny, weeny miniature dachshund, Tara, that he loved with a passion. Phil spent his final years in beautiful Temecula with his wife of 27 years, where he passed away peacefully on August 1, 2020. Phil is now and forever more with his first love, Jesus. Phil is survived by his wife Jeannine (Courtier) Martinez and children: Phil Jr., Paul, Jimmy and Gail. Grandchildren Jordan, Jenna, Lestena, Zepeda (Michael). Great-grandchildren Claressa and Michael. Step-children Richard Noll, David Melton (Lesa), Jill Schwed (Craig). Brothers Paul and Edward as well as many other relatives in and around Texas and a multitude of friends everywhere. Those who preceded him first include first wife, Gloria (Noah) Martinez, children: Linda Sue, Marty, Lestena, Johnny, sisters: Mary and Olga, and grandson Spencer. Phil will be missed forever by those who knew him. He always liked to say of any loved one who had passed away "they just got ahead of me a little while but I'll see them again." He knew that he was going to be with Jesus and those loved ones already in Heaven. REST IN PEACE GENTLE HERO .... SEMPER FI AND OORAH!