Luis Martinez Lara

Luis Martinez Lara of Saginaw, Michigan 

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at HealthSource Saginaw, at the age of 85. Luis Martinez Lara was born on June 28, 1939, in Knippa, Texas, to the late Pantaleon and Adelina (Martinez) Lara. He grew up in Knippa Texas, moving his family to Saginaw as a young man. Luis met the love of his life, Manuela Maldonado, on a double date through his brother, Lorenzo. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage December 9, 1962; she preceded him in death on August 11, 2011. He was employed with Malleable Iron – General Motors as a janitorial engineer, retiring after 43 years of loyal and dedicated service. Luis was the quintessential family man who loved and cherished being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a longtime and faithful member of First Baptist Church in Bridgeport, often worshiping three times a week. Luis enjoyed being outdoors and as a young man he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Even later in life, fishing brought peace and tranquility to his soul. Luis also enjoyed tinkering and fixing things around the house, often finding some type of project to keep himself busy. He will forever be remembered as a strong man who loved God, cared fiercely, helped selflessly, and stood by his family unwaveringly - a rock in every storm. 

Surviving are his two children: Frank Lara of Saginaw; Linda Lara of Saginaw; three grandchildren: Michael Anthony Brand, Jacqueline Sue VanWormer, Nicholas Jose Gonzalez; one great-grandson, Mason Grey VanWormer; three brothers: Juan (Connie) Lara, Hector Lara, and Oscar Lara; three sisters: Amelia Lara, Eva Oscheretiany, and Tommie (Joe) Padilla. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Manuela Lara; parents, Pantaleon and Adelina Lara; two brothers: Lorenzo Lara and Lucio Lara; two sisters: Carmen Harris and Elena Tarango; and an infant brother. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of the Wheels wing of HealthsSource Saginaw for all the love and care they provided for Luis and the family. 

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Hwy, Saginaw, MI 48601. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral chapel or through www.casefuneralhome.com.