Leon “Nicho” Martinez, passed Sunday August 7, 2022 at his home in Lakin, Kansas with his wife Lucia by his side. He was born July 26, 1936 in Stamford, Texas and was the son of Refugio and Angela (Diaz) Martinez Leon was a middle child in a family of eleven (11). He attended schools in Stamford, Texas before moving to Kansas in 1954. Leon met Lucia Estrada as teenagers, they married in 1954. He was a talented saxophone player and the leader of “Los Aces” Mexican orchestra. Leon loved playing golf with his younger brother Dario, was an avid golfer and just an all-round “good guy.” Leon’s main passion however was spoiling his two grandsons, AJ and Jarrett. Leon made sure they attended every single event and sports activity his grandsons participated in regardless of the weather, state or location. Leon and Lucy never missed a Sunday taking their grandsons out to eat, then to the movies before his grandsons moved away. Leon loved spending time and vacationing with family and friends. He enjoyed making up stories and telling everyone what “a guy” could do. Leon enjoyed attending music events and getting lost in major cities, only to circle back and end up at the very same spot he started. Leon was well received in the community of Lakin, he was a friend to everyone, stranger to no one. Leon was the business owner/operator of Martinez Body Shop in Lakin for more than 38 years. Leon’s children were more than happy their dad owned a body shop to fix all the dings and dents of learning how to drive. Leon is survived by his wife of more than 68 years, Lucia Estrada Martinez, Children: Robert Martinez, Kansas City, Missouri, Daughter: Kim (Lu) Hernandez of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandsons Aaron “AJ” (Sanya) Hernandez, Houston, Texas, Jarrett (Bridgette) Hernandez, La Mirada, California. Leon was finally blessed with two Great-Grandchildren, Niko Hernandez, and Elena Rose-Marie Hernandez. Siblings include, Sofia (Frank) Martinez, Topeka, Felipa Moreno, Stamford, SanJuana (Juan) Gonzalez North Carolina, Consuelo (Julian) Estorga Ft. Worth, Dario (Leonor) Martinez Garden City, Frances (Ray) Alvarez Stamford, and Samuel (Pauline) Estrada Ft. Worth. Leon was preceded in death by his parents Refugio and Angela Martinez, along with siblings, Joe Martinez, Manuel Martinez, Henry Martinez & Mary Martinez. Visitation will be held 12:00-5:00 pm Thursday August 11, 2022, at Garnand Funeral Home of Lakin. A Rosary will be held 9:30 am on Friday August 12, 2022, with Mass to follow at 10:00 am at St Anthony Catholic Church of Lakin with Rev Peter Tran as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Lakin Cemetery. Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 91, Lakin, KS 67860. Condolences may be posted at www. garnandfuneralhomes.com