Larry Martinez, Sr.

Krotz Springs - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Larry John Martinez, Sr., on Monday, February 6, 2023, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Krotz Springs.  Reverend Michael DeBlanc will conduct the Mass.  Rite of Committal and Burial will follow in the church mausoleum.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Krotz Springs.  A Rosary will be prayed at 1:00 p.m. by Reverend Michael DeBlanc.

It is with deep sorrow we regretfully announce the passing of Larry John Martinez, Sr., at 85, on Thursday, February 2, 2023.  He passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Larry John Martinez, Sr. was born in Belle Alliance, Louisiana on March 19, 1937.  Larry was a veteran of the United States Navy who proudly served his country from 1954 to 1957 in Korea, Japan, and China.  Larry’s entrepreneurial spirit kept him on the roads for most of his life.  While traveling, he found great enjoyment by visiting casinos and testing his luck on the blackjack and craps table.  Larry owned and operated many businesses throughout his life.  One of his greatest entrepreneurial successes was the establishment of the Crawfish House in Opelousas, Louisiana.  Larry established this business in 1987 and it is still owned and operated by his daughter, Tess, and his son-in-law, Chad, today.  Larry’s family was everything to him.  He loved family reunions and the tradition of Mardi Gras celebration with his family.  Larry loved watching football on television and most of all, thoroughly enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  Mostly, Larry will be remembered as a hardworking man who always provided for his family, and he will also be remembered for his sarcastic humor and blunt honest remarks.  His gentle soul will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He will forever be remembered and missed by wife of 61 years, Nedra Coupel Martinez; his sons, Larry Martinez, Jr. (Kathy), Brian Martinez, Sr. (Mary), Chris Martinez (Michelle), Jerome Martinez (Victoria) and Gerard Martinez (Heidi); his daughters, Tess Wiltz (Chad), Dawn Martinez and Tina Nezat (Josh); his daughter-in-law, Autumn Martinez; his brothers, Huey Martinez (Peach) and Tony Martinez (Rose); and his sisters, Ivy Mae Murrill (Gordon), Isabelle Klein, and Virginia Bernard (William); and his sisters-in-law, Evelyn Martinez and Barbara Landry Coupel.  He is also survived by 35 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Martinez, Sr.; his parents, Anthony Forest Martinez and Virginia Ruiz Martinez; his sisters, Hilda Chatham, Thecla Davenport (Joe), Marina Imphang (Alex), Dorothy Glen (John) and Anna-Mae McGowan (Arthur); his brother, Patrick Martinez, Sr.; his great-grandson, Kaisen Brees Martinez; his great-granddaughter, Saylor Rose Martinez; and his brothers-in-law, Roy Klein and Terry Coupel.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Travis Martinez, Brian Martinez, Jr., Johnny Martinez, Jr., Alec Martinez, Dru Davis, Ty Davis, Landon Valin and Logan Valin.  Honorary pallbearers will also be his grandsons, Drake Martinez, Treston Martinez, Dalton Martinez, Austin Martinez, Blayde Martinez, Darius Davis, Liam Leger, Ryan Martinez, and Nathan Martinez.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Krotz Springs, 239 Eighth Avenue, Krotz Springs, LA 70750, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.