Rodney Lee Martinez

Honoring his life, impact, and lasting community influence.

In Memory of Rodney Lee Martínez

A life of service, a heart for community, and a legacy that lives on.

A Life Rooted in Community

Rodney Lee Martínez was more than a brother—he was a bridge between communities, a voice for the voiceless, and a light that shined across both sides of the border he called home.

Born and raised in Del Rio, Texas, and deeply rooted in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, Rodney devoted his life to music, service, and the people who made these border towns so special.

A Passion for Music and Connection

Inspired by our father, Homero Martínez-a beloved radio broadcaster and school counselor-Rodney and I grew up in the heart of our family's radio station.

It wasn’t just a business—it was a calling. Together, we helped bring La Música Tejana to life for thousands of listeners, organizing concerts, interviews, and events that celebrated culture and community.

Rodney had a rare gift: he brought people together through both music and compassion. Behind every microphone, every handshake, and every helping hand, there was his generous heart and a huge smile.

A Commitment to Service

In 1997, the premature birth of his twins led Rodney to experience firsthand the impact of Lions Clubs International. That moment changed his life.

He wholeheartedly embraced the Lions’ mission of service, becoming one of the most devoted members in our region.

Over the years, he led countless efforts—providing mobility carts, eye care, food drives, and disaster relief—always showing up for those who needed help most.

Leadership and Impact

One of his proudest and most selfless acts came in 2015, after a devastating tornado struck Ciudad Acuña. Rodney and his best friend, Hervey Sifuentes Herrera, organized 15 straight days of humanitarian relief, delivering water, food, and comfort to families who had lost everything. He didn’t do it for recognition, but because service was who he was.

Rodney made history in Lions Club leadership, becoming the first person to serve as president of four Lions Clubs in our region:

Del Rio Amistad Lions Club
Brackettville-Del Rio Lions Club
San Felipe Amistad Lions Club
Del Rio Host Lions Club

He was also the first Lion in his district to be honored with a personal “Last Meeting” Memorial Service—a rare and heartfelt tribute to a life lived in service.

Volunteers in yellow vests by fire truck

Honors and Recognition

His awards reflect only a fraction of his impact:

Melvin Jones Fellowship for outstanding humanitarian service

Certificate of Dedicated Service as Sergeant-at-Arms, District 2-A2

Numerous leadership honors, including the President’s Appreciation Award and Director’s Award

Two smiling people holding award and certificate

Carrying Forward a Legacy

When our father passed away from heart failure in 2015, Rodney stepped up with love and determination, managing the family’s radio and music business while continuing to serve the community with the same heart and purpose our dad had instilled in us.

In 2024, Rodney and I began building The Homero Martínez Heart Failure Foundation, inspired by our family’s journey and driven by the needs we witnessed firsthand in rural and underserved communities. Though he passed away unexpectedly in January 2025, also from heart failure, his presence remains in every part of this mission. He helped lay the foundation—both literally and spiritually—for the work we now carry forward.

A Lasting Legacy

Rodney was a servant leader, a champion of culture, and a man whose voice reached far beyond radio waves. His legacy lives on not only in the music he loved, but in the lives he touched—with a handshake, a smile, a plate of food, or a song played at just the right moment.

It is my greatest honor to carry his spirit forward—in service, love, and dedication—through every life this foundation touches…One Heart, One Community at a Time.

Donna Martinez, BSN, RN, Founder and President, The Homero Martinez Heart Failure Foundation