Savio Martinez came to San Saba the first week of March of this year to join Heritage Funeral Homes as Funeral Director of their San Saba office. He moved here from Amarillo, Texas, where he lived for 28 years.
Savio said he has always wanted to be a funeral director, even from childhood. When he would go to a funeral as a boy, he was fascinated about the body in the casket and wondered, “How did the body get so cold and so hard?” That interest stayed with him, and he eventually went to mortuary school, graduating in 2007. Since then, he has worked part-time in several funeral homes, including Blackburn Shaw and Lighthouse in Amarillo.
Savio had a full-time job as a truck driver, driving locally, and has been doing that for 40 years. He said he was considering retiring when he was told about the opportunity here in San Saba for a full-time Funeral Director. He interviewed with Dr. Mercer who called him back and offered him the job.
Savio then retired from his full-time job, and a few days later, moved to San Saba. He said that when he first got here, he told Dr. Mercer, “This is it. This is where I want to stay; I don’t want to go anywhere else.” When I asked him if he likes it here, he said, “I do; I love it here. People are so friendly.”
One interesting story he relayed to me: when Savio got here, he wondered why Heritage used an Escalade for a hearse. After a funeral at one of the cemeteries out in the country, he found out why! Well, for one reason, Savio wasn’t used to rough terrain in cemetaries and there are plenty in San Saba where a Cadillac Escalade provides families with a much smoother ride!
I asked Savio about his job here and what his schedule was like. He said he is on call every other night and every other weekend. When he is on call, it is not only for San Saba, but also for Brady and Menard. Even though the job is very demanding at times, he said he is really enjoying it. He stated he does not get burned out very easily and is very adaptable.
Savio said what he really enjoys is, “Helping the family make arrangements and caring for their loved one. Dealing with the family and helping them in their time of need has its rewards.” He considers it an honor when families give him the opportunity to take care of their loved ones. He takes great care in being very sensitive to families as this is a very hard time for them.
I asked Savio if he has any family near here. He stated he has family in Texas, and most of them live in Lubbock. His mother, sisters, and brothers-in-law have been here to visit him from Lubbock. He said they really love this part of the country.
Savio took them to Sulphur Springs Lake Park in Bend, and they really enjoyed it. He said it is really nice since it is right on the Colorado River. “There are cabins there, and it is beautiful.” His kids and their families are planning on visiting soon, and Savio wants to take them to Bend also.
When I asked Savio what he likes to do in his free time, he answered, “Normally, I go back to Amarillo and take care of everything. . . at my house there, and then travel on over to Lubbock to visit with my family. Then, I head on back over here. It is a really quick visit, and a fast trip. I’m actually in Amarillo for less than 24 hours.” While in Lubbock, he enjoys watching his grandkids’ baseball and soccer games. He has lots of family there: Mom, sisters and their families, his kids and grandkids.
Savio hit the ground running from the moment he got here in San Saba. He would come by the newspaper office and ask if we knew any way he could help out in the community, looking for a way to get involved with people.
If you haven’t met Savio, come by the funeral home, even if it is just to meet him. He would love to meet you!