A memorial service will be held for Hipolito "Poli" Martinez Mendoza, 64, Sunday, June 13th 2021, at 2:00 at Conway Baptist with Bro. Juan Martinez, officiating. Burial will be at Conway Cemetery immediately following.

Poli was born on January 26th, 1957 in Xicotencatl, Mexico. He entered his eternal rest on May 31, 2021 in that same small town of Xicotencatl, Mexico.

Preceding him in death are his parents Toribio Martinez and Maria Trinidad Mendoza.

Poli came to this country 25 years ago in search of a prosperous life for his family. After coming to Arkansas, he started work at the sawmill in Urbana, and not knowing yet how to drive, he rode a bicycle 6 miles, to work and back to support his family. Later, Elvin and Nathan Futch were in search of someone to help run their poultry farm and they were given the name Hipolito Martinez. They met with him and instantly knew, (even through a language barrier-The Futch's didn't speak Spanish, and Poli didn't speak English) that he and his family would be a perfect addition to the farm. They moved him and his family to the farm and began a long and special friendship. Over the years, they all began to form a new language-one of love and family. From then on, Poli and his girls were a huge part of the Futch family, and remain as such today. Poli was a very dedicated, loyal and hardworking family man who loved his children and always did everything he could to give them a good life. Every memory of the farm life includes Poli and his girls. He has touched all of our lives in ways we can never express and will never forget.

He was well known and loved by so many-especially the Futch Family. He was a true brother to Elvin and Nathan Futch and he took great care of Ms. Zimma before her death. She was always checking on him and the girls and treated him just like a son-even bossing him around when she thought it was needed. He raised his girls to be hard working and proud of their heritage and upbringing. He loved them both so much and were so proud of who they have become. So many great stories- including Poli learning how to drive here on the farm, countless holidays, and trying his best to teach Elvin, Nathan and anybody who wanted to learn-how to speak Spanish-will never be forgotten. He gave his life on this farm as more than just an employee-he was family. He will always be family-and we will forever remember his love for this farm and those around him. We will always miss seeing him wave as he drove by, and his familiar "Hey my friend!" will be in our hearts forever.

On behalf of the Futch and Martinez family, we want to invite you all to this memorial service for Poli. Please join us as we remember his life and the love he had for our family. We will forever be grateful for allowing our paths to cross with his. Until we meet again my friend.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Araceli Kirkland (Austin) of West Monroe and Oralia Martinez of Aurora CO, two grandsons- Drake Kirkland and Cody Ford and two granddaughters- River Reign Kirkland and Catalina Trinity Roybal Martinez. Sisters, Marta Martinez Mendoza, Lourdes Martinez Mendoza, Eleasar Martinez Mendoza, Silvia Martinez Mendoza and Adriana Martinez Mendoza, all of Xicotencatl, Mexico and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family, Elvin Futch (Patricia) and Nathan Futch (Amber) along with their children and grandchildren and extended family.

Honorary Pallbearers are Ethan Futch, Wyatt Futch, Benton Ball, Kruse Futch, Briar Ball, and Bradley Phelps.