COTULLA, Texas - Tributes have poured in for Leodoro Martinez, Jr., the first Hispanic to serve as county judge of La Salle, who has died aged 76.
Affectionately known as “Peody” to family and friends since childhood, Martinez served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972. During his service, he was stationed in Korea in support of the Vietnam War.
Martinez also served as a council member and mayor of Cotulla, Texas, the county seat of La Salle. He was executive director of the Middle Rio Grande Development Council of Governments, a role he held from 1994 to 2015. This council of government covered nine counties in South Texas.
Martinez was also a former chairman of the Eagle Ford Consortium.
“Texas just loss one of its most dynamic leaders,” said Blas Castañeda, a former leader at Laredo Community College and the Texas Border Coalition. “Leodoro Martinez was a huge leader and very close friend who brought great benefits to our South Texas communities. He has left a huge legacy as one the most proactive men. He helped change our communities for a better world.”
Congressman Henry Cuellar said Martinez will be recognized in Congress.
“Leodoro Martinez was a person that really transformed South Texas, not only La Salle, but really all of South Texas. There are leaders that come along once in a while, and he is one of those that really transformed South Texas for many years. I knew him for many years and we are going to do a congressional recognition for Judge Martinez. And I believe his son, who is the current county judge in La Salle, will be one of those leaders also in South Texas. So, we will be doing a recognition for recognition him.”
Former university president Federico Zaragoza of San Antonio said: “For those of us touched by Leodoro, our hearts are heavy with the loss of our judge and friend. A true friend, a trusted mentor, and an iconic leader. He was more than a public servant; he was a force for good, dedicated to economic and social justice in South Texas. From his vision for the Eagle Ford Shale Consortia to his South Texas legislative advocacy, Leodoro led with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to fairness, always lifting others as he rose. His wisdom, integrity, and humanity shaped countless lives, including my own. His absence leaves a profound void, but his legacy will continue to guide and inspire us. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
Ricardo E. Cisneros, director of administration for Holding Institute Community Center in Laredo, said: "It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences on the passing of Judge Leodoro Martinez Jr. He was a true pillar of South Texas, a dedicated public servant, community leader, and mentor to many. Judge Martinez devoted decades of his life to strengthening La Salle County and the broader region through thoughtful leadership and regional collaboration, especially during the formative years of the Eagle Ford Shale. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with him through my work in economic development during my time at Laredo Community College, under the mentorship of Blas Castaneda, when many of us were working toward a stronger future for Laredo and the surrounding regions. Judge Martinez was always engaged, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to ensuring that growth benefited the people and communities of South Texas. May his family, friends, and all who knew him find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind. Rest in peace, Leodoro, you will be missed.”
Tammye Treviño, a former housing director in San Antonio said: “Leodoro was the most giving person I ever knew, both in his personal life with his family and friends and professionally, as a public servant. It is important that he be remembered as a man of great vision and hope for his country and the people of South Texas. His contributions to the well being of this region extends from his bravery in the Civil Rights movement during a time of great struggle, alongside many others who paid dearly for their beliefs, to his leadership in forging safe and prosperous communities for all involved in the Eagle Ford Shale region. His goal was always to assure that the taking of the oil richness in our region resulted in communities that not only prospered during the drilling and extraction, but withstood the after effects when the activity was done. Personally, I loved him and will treasure our memories with family and friends. Professionally, I will always be grateful to him for showing me true leadership.”
Larry Dovalina, a city administrator for Cotulla, said:
“I worked in Laredo as a city manager and I had retired. I want to say when I was around 59 and it must have been around 2007-2008, I guess. I was sitting at home and I got a call from the mayor in Cotulla, and he asked me if I was interested in working as city administrator. I interviewed (for the position), and he asked me if I would help him out. I said, well, I'll come for a three month contract, and I'll try to sort things out and help you out. And I stayed for 17 years.
“Leodoro had been, at one point in time, a mayor in the city. He was also a county judge, and I think at the time that I went there, he was head of the Council of Government for about eight counties, and the city of Cotulla was a participant in the Council of Governments. And that's how I came back in contact with him.
“For the majority of his adult life, he worked as a public servant. When things started changing in Cotulla, because of the Eagle Ford Shale, he put together a group that was called the Eagle Ford Consortium. But his main thrust of work was actually the Council of Governments. I got involved with him in that Eagle Ford Consortium, and I believe I was one of the initial presenters when they first had their consortium meeting or trade show or whatever it was, and describe some of the things that were going on at the time, and Then off and on, because he still had a residence in kutula, I would run across him and and chat with him. He was very supportive, and he understood what was going on and tried to help as many people as he could. In fact, I hired some of the people that left Council of Governments after he retired, but he stayed active for a long time while I was still there.
“He was always very positive and good humored. He was, overall, a good person. I would run across him at times at church because, well, there's only one church in Cotulla, but when he was in town, I would run across him at church. He was very supportive of all the people that he knew. And of course, now his son is the county judge. I enjoyed talking to him and seeing some of the things that he had tried to do and that I tried to do and trying to better the community. His main intent was always serving the people and making sure that whatever programs or services that were required by the community, that they were actually met.”
Here is the official obituation for Leodoro Martinez, Jr.:
Leodoro Martinez, Jr., 76, of Cotulla, Texas, peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, January 10, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Affectionately known as “Peody” to family and friends since childhood, Leodoro was a proud son of South Texas whose life was rooted in service, community, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right. Born on February 15, 1949, to Leodoro, Sr., and Jesusa Martinez, he was raised in the rural communities along I-35 north of Laredo and south of San Antonio—places that shaped his character, values, and lifelong devotion to South Texas.
Leodoro proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972. During his service, he was stationed in Korea in support of the Vietnam War. It was during these formative years that he developed the discipline, leadership, and sense of responsibility that would guide him throughout his life. The lessons he learned in the Army—service before self, accountability, and leading with integrity—became foundational to the way he lived, worked, and served his community.
Leodoro believed deeply in the dignity of every person and worked tirelessly to make his community a better place to live, work and raise a family. A man of faith, integrity, and quiet strength, he lived his life guided by fairness, compassion, and perseverance. He never forgot where he came from, who he stood for, or the responsibility that comes with leadership.
Throughout his life, Leodoro answered that call to serve. He was an organizer, mentor, and trusted leader who believed progress was built through relationships, hard work, and accountability. His passion for education, opportunity, and equality led him to serve his community in numerous capacities, including as a Cotulla City councilman, Mayor, and later as the first Latino County judge in La Salle County history. He also served on the Cotulla ISD Board of Trustees, advocating for stronger educational opportunities for future generations.
One of Leodoro’s proudest chapters of service was his work as Executive Director of the Middle Rio Grande Development Council of Governments, a role he held from 1994 to 2015. Through this work, he helped bring economic development, infrastructure, healthcare access, and regional cooperation to nine counties across South Texas. His leadership left a lasting imprint on countless communities and improved the quality of life for thousands of families.
Even in the face of health challenges later in life, Leodoro never lost his sense of purpose. He believed there was always more work to be done, more people to help, and more good to pursue. His legacy is one of selfless service, determined leadership, and love for his people and his homeland.
Leodoro is survived by his children: Leodoro (Jessica) Martinez III, Myrna (Carlos) Soto, Jaime (Megan) Martinez, and Chelsea Martinez; his grandchildren: Leodoro Martinez IV, Nicolas Martinez, Randi Martinez, Jasmyne Martinez, Aidan Soto, Klarissa Soto, Noe Martinez, and Marcus Martinez; his siblings: Aldina Garcia and Dalia Baumler; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leodoro Sr. and Jesusa Martinez.
South Texas is better today because of Leodoro Martinez, Jr.—his vision, his generosity, and his unwavering commitment to serve others. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the lives he touched and the values he modeled.
You go in peace, Peody. You will not be forgotten.
Gracias, carnal. Gracias.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Peters Funeral Home from 4:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Cotulla East Cemetery.
Editor's Note: The Rio Grande Guardian will add more tributes as they come in.
