Maximino Martinez-Perez

A memorial gathering for Maximino Martinez-Perez, 49, Lawrence, will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Unitarian Fellowship at 1263 N. 1100 Road south of Lawrence.Mr. Martinez-Perez died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, at his home.He was born Feb. 20, 1959, in Havana, the son of José Martinez and Amelia Pérez. He grew up in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and lived in Lawrence since 1978.Mr. Martinez-Perez was a graduate of Lincoln Military Academy in Puerto Rico, Kansas University and Johnson County Community College.He worked at Garmin International in Olathe as senior raw materials inspector for 12 years, and previously at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence.He was a percussionist, singer, songwriter and drummer. He played with Common Ground, Tapped Roots, Ras Neville and the Kingstonians, and many other friends.He married Pat Wittry on June 21, 1983, in Greeley. She survives, of the home.Other survivors include his mother; a brother, Joe; parents-in-law Gus and Ruth; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father in 1993.The family suggests memorials to the charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.