Coach, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin, neighbor, friend, Tom Martinez, age 74, passed away peacefully September 6, 2017 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
He was surrounded by family at the Veterans Home in Walsenburg, CO and was honored as the hero he was. Tom was born in Denver Colorado on June 3, 1943 to Juanita (Jennie) Bustos.
Tom was a Trinidad High School graduate in the class of 1961. He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force from 1961-1967. Following his military service Heachieved his associates degree in Arts with a Major in education at Trinidad State Junior College followed with a Bachelor of Arts from Adams State College. With this achievement Tom touched endless hearts not only teaching in the classrooms of Trinidad High School for several decades, but running hundreds of miles on the sidelines coaching football, basketball, track, baseball and swimming. Even in his retirement, he continued to coach at, Trinidad Catholic and Primero High School, and volunteer as an assistant coach with his son in law sharing his love of baseball and football.
In his spare time you could find Tom behind the bar at the Wagon Wheel, or Blackjacks Steak House listening to his friends babble on on on and on, But more than teaching and sports, Tom loved his family. He loved his family unconditionally from the day they were born to his very last breath. He loved his children. He was a beacon of strength, a role model and in adulthood a friend. Finally, Tom loved his grandchildren. He spent his every spare moment attending their games, awards and events, endless summer camping trips and teaching them how to fish. Some of his favorite times were playing softball with friends, a Denver Broncos winning season, a friendly game of poker until the sun came up, morning breakfasts with his mom, and many a lazy afternoon sitting on his front porch with his fur babies Sandy and Mittens.
September 6, 2017 Tom was reunited with his grandmother Irene Martinez, parents James and Jennie Bustos, and his sister Betty Lou (Dolly) Mestas. He will be greatly missed by his children Thomas (Dawn) Martinez and Jean (Marty) Velasquez. Grandchildren Chelsea, Joel, Candice, Dakota, Kaitlyn and Noah, and Great-Granddaughter Serenity. Brother Harold (Flora) Mestas and countless Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Family, friends, and others whose lives “Coach” touched are invited to celebrate his life.
Visitation will be Monday, from 2PM-6PM at the Comi Chapel.
Funeral will be Tuesday September 12, 2017 with Funeral Mass at 10AM at Holy Trinity Church.
Interment will follow at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery with graveside services conducted by the Air Force Honor Guard.
Active pallbearers are James Tapia, David Santistevan, Michael Trujillo, PhillipCruz, Stephen Swazo and Leroy Perea.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
