Carlos Thomas Martinez

Carlos Thomas Martinez, age 43, of Santa Rosa, California, passed away on August 23, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in the Hyman Memorial Chapel at Lee Hometown Funeral Home, with Rev. Gerald Panana officiating. Burial will follow at Clinton Indian Cemetery, under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.  A traditional Wake service will be held 7:00 P.M. Monday August 26, 2024 at the Clinton ERC building.

Born on April 22, 1981, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, Carlos was the beloved son of Jesus Martinez Sr. and Florence Meat. Raised in Weatherford until the age of 15, Carlos relocated to Covelo/Santa Rosa, California, where he completed his education at Round Valley High School, graduating with the Class of 1999. He pursued a successful career as a painter at Paint Star, dedicating over 20 years to his craft.

Carlos was a man of diverse passions and talents. His love for art, encompassing drawing and painting, was matched only by his enthusiasm for Native American music, automotive work, and video games. His dedication to his Native culture and the Raiders football team was unwavering. Known for his infectious smile and unyielding positivity, Carlos brought joy to those around him, whether through playful pranks or sharing a good steak.

Preceded in death by his brother Wink Bekinnie, Carlos is survived by his devoted companion, Melissa Elgin, of Santa Rosa, California; his parents, Florence Meat of Clinton, Oklahoma, and Jesus Martinez Sr. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his daughters, Bella Elgin and Leileh Elgin, both of Santa Rosa, California; his sister, Lena Meat of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his brother, Leonard Natseway of Mustang, Oklahoma; and a host of relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Carlos's memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and he will be remembered for his vibrant spirit and the love he so generously shared with those around him.