Leonardo D. Martinez, age 88 passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2022 surrounded by his family. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange St., Abilene. Funeral services will be on Thursday June 2 at 2pm at North's. Burial will follow at Elliott Hamil Cemetery.

Leonardo was born on April 11, 1934 in Pampanga, Philippines to Gabriel Martinez and Lucia DeLeon Martinez. He moved to Abilene in 1992 and worked at Abilene Christian University. Leonardo was a very good cook who loved animals, nature, gardening and watching military history shows. One of his passions was creating models of helicopters and airplanes out of recycled materials, this talent led to a street in the Philippines being named "Airport Street" to recognize his talent.

He was preceded in death by his son, Vicente De La Cruz and his brother Juanito De Leon.

Leonardo is survived by his beloved wife, Marcelina Martinez; children, Cathy Herttenberger, Pat Tidwell and husband Rex, Maura Dela Cruz, Esperanza Dela Cruz, Antonino Dela Cruz and wife Marina, Ellen De Duque and husband Eduardo, Liza Forrest and husband Tim, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to City Light Community Ministries at 336 Hickory St. Abilene TX, 79601 or Christian Service Center at 3185 N. 10th St. Abilene TX, 79603, Condolences for the family may be left at www.northsfuneralhome.com.