Martin Cruz

Martin Cruz was born in Puebla, Mexico, December 2, 1920 to Juan and Remedios Cortez. He came to the United States in 1947 and stayed for several years before returning to Mexico. Martin married Maria De Jesus Gonzales on October 1, 1951. He returned to Texas in 1978, where he remained until his death. Mr. Cruz worked as a general laborer and was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Martin died Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at an Abilene Hospital. He was 94 years old.
Survivors include a son, Ray Cruz, Sr. and wife Paula of Stamford, Texas; 3 step children, Lorenzo Contreras, Sr., and wife Consuelo of Stamford, Texas, Anastacio Contreras, Sr. and wife Marina of San Perlita, Texas and Jose Contreras and wife Estella of Veloz Hidalgo, Mexico; five grandchildren, Ray Cruz, Jr. and wife Christina of Stamford, Texas Sandy Cruz and husband Matthew Herrera of Abilene, Texas, Mary Ramos and husband Manuel, Jr. of Stamford, Texas; two grandsons whom he raised; Jamie Contreras and wife Angela of Eastland, Texas, Jose Contreras, Jr., and wife Ovilda of Haskell, Texas; 18 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous step grandchildren.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Maria De Jesus, great granddaughter, Zenayda, a stepson, Pedro Contreras, three step-daughters, Isabell Contreras, Rufina Contreras and Maria Contreras.
The Rosary for Martin will be Friday, May 1, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home (807 S. Columbia St.). Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2015 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church Parish Hall with Father Angelo Consemino officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.