Val Soliz Martinez

Val S. Martinez, better known as "Hippo" to his family and childhood friends, has left the building. His family and friends will tell you he's in a better place. He is stress-free and at peace. Hippo fought a long battle with illness, and finally decided it is time to kick the bucket.

Hippo decided it was time to drive the passenger bus in the sky on January 30, 2018.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Yolanda Martinez. He is also survived by his sons Chris and Val Martinez, and by siblings Jesse, Mary, Irene, and Sandra. Hippo was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, on November 9, 1950, the son of the late Christina Dominguez And Valentine Martinez. He was also predeceased by brothers, Ariel and Frank.

Hippo was a kind, loving man. He always had a smile on his face and would always want to put smiles on others faces. He had a great sense of humor. He would jokingly (sometimes seriously) say he was part of the Navy SEALs, Army Green Beret, or any other special forces you can think of, but in reality, he just liked watching war movies. In addition to war movies, he was glued to the television watching alien and UFO documentaries. He referred to them as "little green men" shows. The only thing that would get him away from these shows is a trip to Farmer Boys or Burger Box restaurants. He would proudly tell you he is a VIP at Farmer Boys, or better yet, a VIF (very important farmer).

Although he is gone, his larger-than-life persona and trademark stubbornness will not be forgotten.

Service Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Mortuaries, Indio, California.