Dr. Felix Martinez-Mercado

Dr. Felix Martinez-Mercado, M.D passed away at home in Topeka, Kansas on May 24, 2024, after fighting a valiant battle against chronic lymphocytic leukemia for the past 14 months. Known to others as “Dr. Martinez,” “Dr. M,” “Dr. Felix,” or simply, “Felix,” he was a well-respected child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist most recently serving the Manhattan, Kansas area and surrounding communities from 2005 until this year. He was also a decorated Vietnam veteran. More importantly, he was a son, a brother, a father, and a friend. Dr. Martinez was born to humble beginnings on May 15, 1935, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to Felix Martinez Y Rivera and Maria Mercado Delgado. Many fond memories Dr. Martinez liked to share refer to his youth playing with friends and working a variety of jobs such as on the docks, at a restaurant, at a mechanic’s, and at a Beautyrest mattress manufacturer. His mother tried her best to keep him as occupied as possible, though at times it was inevitable that other adventures found him first! Originally planning on becoming an English teacher, Dr. Martinez took a chance to pursue a medical degree and traveled to Galicia, Spain in 1957 where he completed medical school at the University of Santiago de Compostela in 1963. It was here where he discovered his passion for psychiatry. In 1964, he completed his rotating internship at the San Juan Municipal Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. By 1967, he finished his psychiatric residency training at the Puerto Rico Institute of Psychiatry in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. From May 1968-May 1969, Dr. Martinez served our country as Division Psychiatrist for the 101st Airborne Division in the Republic of South Vietnam and was responsible for the mental health services for 18,000 men. During his service, he earned a US Army Good Conduct Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal. From 1971-1983, there was no stopping Dr. Martinez as he continued to hone his craft: from being an instructor to first year medical students at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, to Director of the child and adolescent clinic at Rio Piedras State Hospital in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to consultant for the health and social work programs at the Puerto Rico Department of Education, to working private practice after hours—even as a recurring guest in a community television program for three years called “Aqui con la Comunidad” (“Here with the Community”)—it seemed like everyone wanted a piece of Dr. Martinez! More opportunity came calling in Topeka with the revolutionary Menninger Foundation. There, from 1969-1971, Dr. Martinez completed a two-year child-adolescent fellowship program. The experience was so impactful he chose to return to Topeka in 1983 where he remained. He shared his vocation with Family Service and Guidance Center, East Central Kansas Mental Health Center in Emporia, several prison health services in Topeka, Lansing, Larned, and El Dorado, Family Care Center in Junction City, St. Francis Academy in Atchison, and many other behavioral health facilities throughout the state. One of Dr. Martinez’s most noticeable qualities was his high energy and outgoing personality. We can only imagine the great patience his teachers and family may have had for him growing up. His wife recalls often waking up in the middle of the night finding him reading psychiatric books and journals after a long day at the office. Colleagues remember him constantly on-the-go. His fascination with the human mind—specifically, child development—forever piqued his curiosity. He was passionate about exploring an individual’s history from conception to present, and how that history, in part, shaped behavior. To know Dr. Martinez was to adore him. His children recall him often being approached by patients while out in public just to say hello. One individual in particular commented, “Dr. Martinez—you saved my life!” Unsurprisingly, Dr. Martinez had a remarkable healing hand that stretched far beyond the confines of a physician. Even some adults remember working with Dr. Martinez as children! His upbeat personality and dedication to his profession was rivaled only by his fierce loyalty to his family. It was not uncommon to hear him cracking jokes, singing, sharing stories from his youth, or simply being on the receiving end of his warm embrace. His lessons on life were legendary, his thoughtful listening was a gift, his love ever present. We will never know the impact Dr. Martinez had on countless people throughout his career and his lifetime. We are blessed to have known a man so spirited, dedicated, and gifted, but also humble, humorous, and kind. We take comfort in knowing he will be remembered for his sound advice, kind heart, brilliant mind and undeniable love. There will never be anyone on Earth quite like him. He will truly be missed. He is preceded in death by his sister, Doris, and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Marisol (Alberto); his loving wife of 36 years, Gracie; and their children, Michelle (Will) and Felix Arturo; as well as five grandchildren, Albertito, Gonzalo, Felix Martin, Diego, and Rafael. A memorial service will be announced by the family in the near future. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Dr. Felix Martinez-Mercado

May 15, 1935 - May 24, 2024