Jeffrey Martinez, 65 of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away in Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday July 6, 2025. He was born February 23, 1960 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Alfredo and Ellen (Yarger) Martinez.
Jeff was a devoted husband, father and g-pa/papa. A man known for his big personality and even bigger heart. Jeff found joy in the simple things in life – spending time with his granddaughters, blasting music in his man cave, and enjoying moments with his lifelong best friend Ed Ramos. He was always present at his daughters pageants and dance recitals as well as his granddaughters hobbies and interests. Born and raised in Bowling Green, Ohio Jeff graduated from Bowling Green Senior High School in 1979. Jeff worked at Kaufman’s restaurant before pursuing his passion for food and hospitality at the Culinary Institute of America. Following his studies, Jeff built a career managing country clubs in Kokomo, Indiana and Atlanta, Georgia where he formed lasting friendships and left an enduring impression on all who worked with him. He later worked at the Wood county Sheriff’s office, where he retired in 2023.
Jeff is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy (Miller) Martinez of Bowling Green, Daughter Jessica (Tyler) Hough of Kokomo, Indiana and bonus daughter Emily Myers of Bowling Green, his beloved granddaughters Sloan, Pruitt and Evelyn. Siblings Mark (Sue) Martinez of Auburn, Washington, Joe (Jennifer) Martinez of Perrysburg, Johnny (Sarah) Martinez of Bowling Green, Esther (George) Lopez of San Antonio, Linda (Steve) Dewalt of Weston, Joe (Claudia) Rodriguez of Defiance, Frances Calderone of Millbury, Valerie Martinez of Defiance, and Alfredo Jr. Martinez of Haskins along with many aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo and Ellen (Yarger) Martinez and brother Dave Martinez.
In lieu of a traditional funeral visitation, a gathering officiated by Pastor Dave Boswell followed by a luncheon will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the Village View Church of Christ at 801 W Poe Road Bowling Green, Ohio from 10am to 1pm. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home in Bowling Green.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jeff’s memory to the American Heart Association.
