Joseph Presiliano Baca Martinez

Joseph Presiliano Baca Martinez went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, while resting peacefully at home after his courageous battle with renal cell carcinoma.

A celebration of Joseph's life will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at University Church of Christ in Canyon with Jonathan Page officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Brooks Chapel.

Joseph was born on December 12, 1990, in Amarillo, Texas, to Andrew and Teresa (Baca) Martinez. He graduated from Palo Duro High School in 2009 and attended Amarillo College. He married the love of his life, Tamara Ring on June 6, 2020, at Whitaker Ranch in Canyon. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and love, and were blessed with two precious sons, Gabriel and Asher, the joys of his life.

Joseph worked for the City of Canyon for four years. He also faithfully served as a member of the Canyon Volunteer Fire Department for 7 1/2 years and was honored as Rookie of the Year in 2025, an award that reflected his servant's heart and commitment to his community.

Joseph loved his family. He treasured spending time with Gabriel and Asher, especially fishing, cooking, and making memories together. He was passionate about his aquarium, even building his own RO system to care for it. He found great purpose in serving others as a volunteer firefighter and never hesitated to help someone in need, no matter the hour or circumstance.

Joseph will be remembered for his genuine kindness, unwavering sincerity, incredible sense of humor, delightfully playful spirit, and endless curiosity. He had a gift for sharing random facts, engaging in meaningful conversations, and making people laugh. He appreciated life's simple moments and made everyone around him feel valued and welcome.

Joseph loved the Lord. His faith was the foundation of his life and carried him through every season. As a faithful member of University Church of Christ, he lived with compassion, humility, and a servant's heart. His legacy of faith, love, generosity, and quiet strength will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Joseph was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jose and Agnes Baca and paternal grandfather, Presiliano Martinez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Tamara Martinez and two cherished sons, Gabriel and Asher Martinez, of the home; his parents, Andrew and Teresa Martinez of Amarillo; two brothers, Ricardo Martinez and wife, Sarah-Kate of Amarillo, and Armando Martinez and wife, Courtney of Madelia, Minnesota; paternal grandmother, Ida Martinez of Stockton, California; his much loved parents-in-law, Tim and Michelle Whitaker of Canyon; brother-in-law, Chance Whitaker of Canyon; eight nephews, two nieces, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family who will forever cherish his memory.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Martinez Children's Education Fund at Amarillo National Bank or the Canyon Fire Fighter Association, P.O. Box 98, Canyon, Texas 79015.