It is with deep sorrow that we announce Harry Martinez, age 80, of Wetumka OK, passed away on 20 Feb. 2026, leaving a void that can never be filled.
Through his journey of 80 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, love, and wise counsel. With Harry’s departure, we remember a life lived with deep love for his wife, Amanda, family, and community.
Harry was born Aug 9, 1945, to Susie and Dario Martinez in Wetumka. His childhood was spent at Greasy Creek, helping pick crops, hunting and fishing, and going to church at Wetumka Indian Baptist. He attended elementary school at the Greasy Creek Country school, then went on to boarding school at Sequoyah. He came home to graduate from Wetumka and went to college at Haskell. He excelled at school and played basketball, baseball, lettering in track and football. He was very friendly and sharply dressed. Everyone knew who he was.
Harry served his country in the United States Army from 1967-69 in Germany. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Marksman M14. Afterwards, he settled down and married his wife, Amanda, and pursued a career as a baker. During Harry’s early /mid-adult years, he lived in Dallas with his wife, Amanda, and family. Harry was very active in his church and the community, as well as in softball and bowling, and even had the honor of saying he bowled a 300. Harry served alongside his wife, Amanda, as Lay Speakers at the Dallas Indian United Methodist Church. Harry’s deep love and wisdom touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing him. He was never a man of many words, but when he spoke, people listened.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Harry and his wife took on a leadership role amongst the elders in the Dallas Community. Harry and Amanda devoted themselves to building a strong Elder Program at the Dallas Urban Intertribal Center, where they held classes and gatherings for the elders. This is where Harry learned his hobby of beadwork. Many late nights were held in his home teaching other elders how to bead. They traveled to pow wows far and wide, selling their beadwork and enjoying the pow wow culture. In his later years, he loved watching sports and taking care of his cats. He also encouraged young people to get their education.
Harry’s death was preceded in death by his wife Amanda, his daughter Anita, his son Neville, his grandson Josh, and his sister Anna. Harry is survived by his cats Mittens, Sally, and friends, son Lewis Yahola, daughter Zoe Anderson, siblings James, Leroy, Betty, and Freda, as well as many other extended family and friends.
