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MARTINEZ -- MARTIN F. ,Born in Dawson NM, July 29, 1921 and died July 17, 2011. We say farewell to yet another of "The Greatest Generation". Our beloved Pop-o, husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-great-grandfather, in-law, and dear friend, was quietly called on to his eternal home. Preceding him to his eternal calling were parents, Felix V. Martinez and Bonifacia Martinez Y. Montez; sister Charlotte Tellez; brothers Mike E Martinez, Margarito Martinez, Gilbert C. Martinez; grandson Steve Martinez; granddaughter Patricia Lash. Martin (Pop-o), is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Corina; sons Martin A. Martinez, Michael F. Martinez and wife Wendy, Esteban Martinez and wife Carolyn; daughters Eloyda Batista, Rosella Quintana, Elinora Martinez; sisters Hermelinda (Linda ) and husband David Adams, Hortencia (Angel) and husband Martin Rivera, Ernestina Walker; brothers Froylan Martinez and wife Clara, Alfaro Martinez and wife Donna, Lionel Martinez, Arcelio Martinez and wife Yolanda. Pop-o is also survived by grandchildren Gina Merchain, Consuelo McCash, Andrea Batista, Wendy Prabhu, Shari Quintana, Allen Quintana, Sara Quintana, Tom Martinez, Maria Humphrey, Jeanine Iverson, Andrea Reider, Ahnna Martinez; great-grandchildren David Ryan, Nicholas Lash, Adam Merchain, Shantal Merchain, Logan McCash, Michael A Batista, LoraAnn Lovato, Alyssa Quintana, Teresa Quintana, Jacob Quintana, Steven Martinez, Tomas Martinez, Amber Martinez, Bryahna Reider, Jaidynn Reider, Jordan Mucher, Sydney Mucher; great-great-grandchildren Fabian Ryan, Felicia Ryan, Amaya Batista. Survivors include and many other loved nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, and great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins, in-laws and friends. All of whom he loved so dearly. We will all miss his laughter, big heart, gentle bearing, and deep gravelly voice and detailed stories of kindness, humor, marvel, and mayhem. Martin was born in Dawson, NM and worked as a young man in the coal town's mines. He married Corina Martinez in 1941 before leaving Dawson to serve in the US army from 1944-1946. He participated in the long Pacific-Philippine Islands Campaign, as a military policeman. He was a gifted boxing enthusiast known for his devastating knockout punch, who captured several service championships in his weight class in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was awarded Pacific Campaign, Philippine Service, Military Police, Sharpshooters Badge and Self Defense Tab, National Defense, Good Conduct medals, was undefeated in all of his service boxing matches and was honorably discharged with the non-com rank of T-E 5 from the US Army. He returned to Dawson in 1946 to work in the coal mines where mining operations ceased in 1950. Moving his family to Santa Fe NM in 1946. He then worked in Santa Fe for ICX trucking until his retirement in 1974 where he resided until his earthly departure. Martin was active in his community of Santa Fe and was the Instituting Secretary of the Santa Fe Aries of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and served in many positions with the Aries. When his health permitted, he helped his son, Michael, part time at at Chief Mike's chainsaw and small engine repair shop, was an avid bowler and served as president and secretary of the Santa Fe Bowling Association several times. He was a lifetime VFW member and American Legion lifetime member, and had great love and respect for our nation and all of our veterans. He was one of seven of the eight boys of his immediate family that proudly served in the armed forces and one of the six of them who served simultaneously during WWII-Korea. We are proud and honored, and most of all blessed to have had such a kind, strong, and respectful man in our lives. He was always willing to help and had big shoulders to cry on, to lean on, to sigh on, and a hug to ease any fear or worry. His big powerful hands so gently held all his little and new family members, We all grew up witness to the power of his gentle heart as it touched all who grew to know and respect him. We will truly miss the quiet respect he lived by. We would also like to extend a special thank you and consideration to family members Elinora Martinez and other family members and friends for their contributions in Pop-o's time of need. Honorary pallbearers were brothers Floylan, Arcelio, Alfaro, Lionel; sons Martin, Michael, Esteban; grandsons, Tom Martinez, Allen Quintana, Raj Prabhu, Gilbert Lovato; great-grandsons Michael A Batista, Adam Merchain, David Ryan, Steven Martinez, Tomas Martinez, Jordan Mucher, Jacob Quintana, Nicholas Lash; great-great-grandson Fabian Ryan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to The Wounded Warrior Project or other non profit armed forces veteran's service organizations. Pop-o would love that! Rosary Services were held at held at St. Francis Basilica/Cathedral in Santa Fe, NM, on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 7:00 pm, Funeral Mass took place at St. Francis Basilica/Cathedral in Santa Fe, NM, on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 10:00 am, Internment with full military honors followed on Thursday at 11:15 am at the Santa Fe National Memorial Cemetery, Post Services "breaking of the Bread" took place at the SF Aries of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Early St. Clubhouse. He feared nothing... A gifted force yet a gentleman unreal. In his arms flowed the power of steel. If one blundered and showed disrespect. In a blink he could knock your head off your neck. He could have contended they used to say. Yet he chose the quiet way. Didn't matter if your life was a wreck. He lifted you up showing you respect. It would be a joyous blessed day. To once again join him on his respectful way. May God hold and keep a gem like you. Lending you to us showed God's word is true. Your duty well done with Creator you rest. In all our hearts, you are the best... Esteban. We love and miss You Pop-o, You ARE the best! Our sincerest thanks and respectful gratitude in Honor of Our Pop-o, to the VFW Honor Guard and for all your prayers and condolences and for our Relatives and friends who made the post services breaking of the bread possible in our difficult time. The Martinez family.
        Published on: Sun July 31, 2011