Roll Call Tribute
Martin Munoz Jr. '62 May 31, 2016 9:51 AM updated: May 31, 2016 9:57 AM
Hillier Funeral Home obituary
2301 E. 29th St.
Bryan, TX 77802
Telephone: (979) 822-1571
Fax: (979) 823-8050
Email: wecare@hillierfh.com
Martin Munoz
July 18, 1933 - May 25, 2016
Coach Martin “Mr. Moon” Munoz, Jr.
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once declared, “The quality of a man’s life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor.” The life of Martin Munoz—a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach and friend—richly reflected these values. Coach Munoz died May 25, 2016, at age 82; he will forever be remembered as “Mr. Moon” or “Coach” by countless former students and athletes of Bryan ISD.
Born on July 18, 1933, to Martin Sr. and Agustina Martinez Munoz of Bryan—a mechanic and a homemaker—Martin Jr. was one of six children, including his three brothers and two sisters: Amador Munoz, Pete Munoz, John “Chon” Munoz, Manuela Munoz Cortez (all now deceased) and single surviving sister, Mary Munoz Martinez. The family lived in an “itty bitty” home in Snook in humble circumstances, especially after Martin Sr.’s early passing, when his son was just thirteen years old. Since Martin Jr. was the youngest boy, his older brothers left school and began working as mechanics in order to pay for his education. At the same time, Martin contributed to the family by working at a bowling alley, dodging flying pins thrown by other youngsters as he set frames of pins up, over and over again. He attended Ybarra Elementary and Stephen F. Austin High School where he graduated in 1951. Later he attended Allen Academy where he ran track and pitched a good game of baseball. He also pitched for a local Bryan team called the Bryan B’s. After two years, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in Japan and the Far East on the warship USS O’Brien (1954-1955).
One day while he was running track at Allen Academy, he met Carmen Medina. Carmen would watch him run the track from her home in Candy Hill. They fell in love and were married in her mother’s home on May 24, 1957. Luckily, the GI Bill gave Martin an opportunity to pursue his Bachelor’s degree in English, which he received in 1962 from Texas A&M University, after years of studying and working nights at International Shoe Factory to make ends meet. Martin’s enduring work ethic was matched by his passion for sports. Later, Carmen and Martin renewed their vows at St. Joseph Catholic Church (with Father John McCaffrey officiating); Carmen passed away on November 20, 2014. The Munozes welcomed two children into their family, daughter Sandra Munoz Sandoval (and husband Joe, of Bryan) and Martin Anthony “Moon” Munoz (and wife Angie, of College Station). In order to support Carmen in her maternal role, Martin often worked two or more jobs so that she could be a full-time mother. His work included teaching and coaching at various campuses in Bryan ISD (as the first Hispanic teacher in the area), including Bowen, Fannin and Anson Jones, as well as SFA and Jane Long, from which he retired in 1990. He also spent two years teaching PE at St. Joseph Catholic School. Additionally, for twenty years, he worked at the Carnegie Library and the Bryan Public Library under head librarian Hazel Richardson. Occasionally, Coach Munoz drove the Bookmobile around town. Students and staff everywhere remember his jovial disposition and signature smile, as well as his genuine concern for others; once he met a person, he never forgot their name. This caring personality served Martin well as a devoted member of St. Joseph Parish in Bryan, and he lived the values he learned at church through his relationships with others, particularly his wife and children, whom he respected and adored. He was also a member of the TAMU Association of Former Students and the American Legion (Post 159).
Away from work, Coach Moon rooted for TAMU and the Yankees, freely indulging in his passion for baseball; he often wore his old Yankees cap, along with Aggie maroon. He was especially happy when his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were all together at the home that they shared at Ethel Blvd for 52 years. Their vacations were limited after their 1983 camping trip to Colorado where he discovered his fear of heights. So great was his fear that Coach Munoz distracted himself in the back of the van as they crossed through the Rocky Mountains; likewise, he would never drive to Las Vegas since he refused to cross Hoover Dam. Later, Martin would travel with his St. Joseph Church family—on a trip gifted to him by his children—as they toured Memphis and Nashville, stopping at the Grand Ole Opry and Graceland (he loved Elvis Presley.) But no matter where he went, Coach Moon was happy to come home again to those that loved him most.
He was also best known around the little league community. He coached his son Anthony and grandson Michael. Whether he was coaching or scouting out the other teams, he was always at the baseball fields. During his grandson’s little league years, he was seen by many driving around the neighborhood picking up little league players. Baseball was his life.
Martin couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized by former students, former coworkers and people that knew him from the baseball parks. He had a very contagious smile and was always happy.
Martin Munoz Jr. was predeceased by his wife Carmen—his love of 57 years—as well as his parents and four of his siblings. Remembering him now are his sister Mary and his sister-in-law Janie Rios, his children and their spouses: Sandra & Joe Sandoval and Anthony & Angie Munoz, as well as his grandchildren: Michael Anthony Sandoval (and fiancé Nayelli Saucedo), Amy Michelle Sandoval Rodriguez (and husband Roy Jr.), Amber Marie Sandoval, Austin Martin Munoz and Avery Kay Munoz. He was also a beloved great-grandfather (and best friend) to Aden Michael Sandoval, Glori Giselle Sandoval, Alesia Marie Orta, twins Olivia Rae Rodriguez and Zoe Grace Rodriguez, in addition to Roy Amos Rodriguez (expected later this year).
Come and reminisce with us about the life of Coach Moon, beginning with Visitation from 5:30-8:30pm on Wednesday, June 1st, at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, with Memory Sharing at 6:30 that evening. A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will follow (at 10am) on Thursday, June 2nd at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude for the excellent care provided by the staff at CHI St. Joseph Hospital and the compassionate care provided to him by Brazos Valley Hospice.
Visitation
JUN 1. 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Hillier Funeral Home
2301 E. 29th St.
Bryan, TX, US, 77802
wecare@hillierfh.com
Celebration of Life
JUN 1. 06:30 PM
Hillier Funeral Home
2301 E. 29th St.
Bryan, TX, US, 77802
wecare@hillierfh.com
Rosary
JUN 2. 10:00 AM
St. Joseph Catholic Church
600 East 26th Steet
Bryan, TX, US, 77803
Mass of Christian Burial
JUN 2. 10:20 AM
St. Joseph Catholic Church
600 East 26th Steet
Bryan, TX, US, 77803
Final Military Honors
JUN 2. 11:00 AM
St. Joseph Catholic Church
600 East 26th Steet
Bryan, TX, US, 77803
Cemetery Details
Mt. Calvary Cemetery (Bryan)
Old Kurten Rd.
Bryan, TX, 77803
2301 E. 29th St.
Bryan, TX 77802
Telephone: (979) 822-1571
Fax: (979) 823-8050
Email: wecare@hillierfh.com
Martin Munoz
July 18, 1933 - May 25, 2016
Coach Martin “Mr. Moon” Munoz, Jr.
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once declared, “The quality of a man’s life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor.” The life of Martin Munoz—a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach and friend—richly reflected these values. Coach Munoz died May 25, 2016, at age 82; he will forever be remembered as “Mr. Moon” or “Coach” by countless former students and athletes of Bryan ISD.
Born on July 18, 1933, to Martin Sr. and Agustina Martinez Munoz of Bryan—a mechanic and a homemaker—Martin Jr. was one of six children, including his three brothers and two sisters: Amador Munoz, Pete Munoz, John “Chon” Munoz, Manuela Munoz Cortez (all now deceased) and single surviving sister, Mary Munoz Martinez. The family lived in an “itty bitty” home in Snook in humble circumstances, especially after Martin Sr.’s early passing, when his son was just thirteen years old. Since Martin Jr. was the youngest boy, his older brothers left school and began working as mechanics in order to pay for his education. At the same time, Martin contributed to the family by working at a bowling alley, dodging flying pins thrown by other youngsters as he set frames of pins up, over and over again. He attended Ybarra Elementary and Stephen F. Austin High School where he graduated in 1951. Later he attended Allen Academy where he ran track and pitched a good game of baseball. He also pitched for a local Bryan team called the Bryan B’s. After two years, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in Japan and the Far East on the warship USS O’Brien (1954-1955).
One day while he was running track at Allen Academy, he met Carmen Medina. Carmen would watch him run the track from her home in Candy Hill. They fell in love and were married in her mother’s home on May 24, 1957. Luckily, the GI Bill gave Martin an opportunity to pursue his Bachelor’s degree in English, which he received in 1962 from Texas A&M University, after years of studying and working nights at International Shoe Factory to make ends meet. Martin’s enduring work ethic was matched by his passion for sports. Later, Carmen and Martin renewed their vows at St. Joseph Catholic Church (with Father John McCaffrey officiating); Carmen passed away on November 20, 2014. The Munozes welcomed two children into their family, daughter Sandra Munoz Sandoval (and husband Joe, of Bryan) and Martin Anthony “Moon” Munoz (and wife Angie, of College Station). In order to support Carmen in her maternal role, Martin often worked two or more jobs so that she could be a full-time mother. His work included teaching and coaching at various campuses in Bryan ISD (as the first Hispanic teacher in the area), including Bowen, Fannin and Anson Jones, as well as SFA and Jane Long, from which he retired in 1990. He also spent two years teaching PE at St. Joseph Catholic School. Additionally, for twenty years, he worked at the Carnegie Library and the Bryan Public Library under head librarian Hazel Richardson. Occasionally, Coach Munoz drove the Bookmobile around town. Students and staff everywhere remember his jovial disposition and signature smile, as well as his genuine concern for others; once he met a person, he never forgot their name. This caring personality served Martin well as a devoted member of St. Joseph Parish in Bryan, and he lived the values he learned at church through his relationships with others, particularly his wife and children, whom he respected and adored. He was also a member of the TAMU Association of Former Students and the American Legion (Post 159).
Away from work, Coach Moon rooted for TAMU and the Yankees, freely indulging in his passion for baseball; he often wore his old Yankees cap, along with Aggie maroon. He was especially happy when his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were all together at the home that they shared at Ethel Blvd for 52 years. Their vacations were limited after their 1983 camping trip to Colorado where he discovered his fear of heights. So great was his fear that Coach Munoz distracted himself in the back of the van as they crossed through the Rocky Mountains; likewise, he would never drive to Las Vegas since he refused to cross Hoover Dam. Later, Martin would travel with his St. Joseph Church family—on a trip gifted to him by his children—as they toured Memphis and Nashville, stopping at the Grand Ole Opry and Graceland (he loved Elvis Presley.) But no matter where he went, Coach Moon was happy to come home again to those that loved him most.
He was also best known around the little league community. He coached his son Anthony and grandson Michael. Whether he was coaching or scouting out the other teams, he was always at the baseball fields. During his grandson’s little league years, he was seen by many driving around the neighborhood picking up little league players. Baseball was his life.
Martin couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized by former students, former coworkers and people that knew him from the baseball parks. He had a very contagious smile and was always happy.
Martin Munoz Jr. was predeceased by his wife Carmen—his love of 57 years—as well as his parents and four of his siblings. Remembering him now are his sister Mary and his sister-in-law Janie Rios, his children and their spouses: Sandra & Joe Sandoval and Anthony & Angie Munoz, as well as his grandchildren: Michael Anthony Sandoval (and fiancé Nayelli Saucedo), Amy Michelle Sandoval Rodriguez (and husband Roy Jr.), Amber Marie Sandoval, Austin Martin Munoz and Avery Kay Munoz. He was also a beloved great-grandfather (and best friend) to Aden Michael Sandoval, Glori Giselle Sandoval, Alesia Marie Orta, twins Olivia Rae Rodriguez and Zoe Grace Rodriguez, in addition to Roy Amos Rodriguez (expected later this year).
Come and reminisce with us about the life of Coach Moon, beginning with Visitation from 5:30-8:30pm on Wednesday, June 1st, at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, with Memory Sharing at 6:30 that evening. A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will follow (at 10am) on Thursday, June 2nd at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude for the excellent care provided by the staff at CHI St. Joseph Hospital and the compassionate care provided to him by Brazos Valley Hospice.
Visitation
JUN 1. 05:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Hillier Funeral Home
2301 E. 29th St.
Bryan, TX, US, 77802
wecare@hillierfh.com
Celebration of Life
JUN 1. 06:30 PM
Hillier Funeral Home
2301 E. 29th St.
Bryan, TX, US, 77802
wecare@hillierfh.com
Rosary
JUN 2. 10:00 AM
St. Joseph Catholic Church
600 East 26th Steet
Bryan, TX, US, 77803
Mass of Christian Burial
JUN 2. 10:20 AM
St. Joseph Catholic Church
600 East 26th Steet
Bryan, TX, US, 77803
Final Military Honors
JUN 2. 11:00 AM
St. Joseph Catholic Church
600 East 26th Steet
Bryan, TX, US, 77803
Cemetery Details
Mt. Calvary Cemetery (Bryan)
Old Kurten Rd.
Bryan, TX, 77803
505 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 845-7514
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