Doroteo Martinez Jr. (DM/Teddy) was born at his home in Carrizo, New Mexico on August 29th, 1918. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Good Friday, March 30th, 2018. He Married Florence Lopez on October 28th, 1943 while serving in the Army Air Corps. SGT. D. M. Martinez was honorably discharged on January 26th, 1946. Teddy was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, hard worker, great friend and a humble servant to his church and community. He was a life-long Rancher. He loved his animals, especially his sheep. He held many different jobs, some he liked to call “free jobs.”
Teddy graduated from High School in Roy New Mexico in 1938. In the fall of 1939 Teddy took a Greyhound bus to Las Cruces to start college. While shopping or “fooling around” as he liked to call it, he drifted into the 5 and 10 dime store. It was there that he instantly became attracted to the clerk behind the counter. Teddy said, “With stars in my eyes and courage in my heart I got acquainted with that petite clerk.” He did buy a pair of socks from her for 15 cents but had to borrow the money from his friend Harry. After a long courtship and some persuasion, she became his wife.
Inheriting the love for politics from his father, Teddy was the Chairman of the Harding County Democratic Committee for over 30 years. During his time, he helped elect Presidents, Governors, Senators, Representatives and many more on both the local and national level. Many of whom had little to no knowledge or full appreciation of his efforts. He was very active in his community and served as a Harding County Commissioner for two terms in the 1950s.
In 1956, Teddy started serving on the School Board for Roy Schools. He held this position for 22 years until he stepped down in 1978. He described this “free job” as one of the most frustrating yet necessary jobs he had ever done.
Teddy started serving on the board of Trustees for Springer Electric Cooperative in 1970. He was elected as the President of the Board of Directors of the NMRECA in 1981 and remained President until 1991 when he stepped down so that he could “enjoy life with Florence.” In an article written about Teddy from June of 1992, Teddy’s coworkers described him as “helpful man who has worked hard for his community and state, he represents the very best of rural America.”
Teddy was also a member of the Farmers Home Administration (FHA), The New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and the Harding County Fair Board.
Teddy was a self-taught musician. He started in grade school on a small accordion that his dad bought for him. He played with it until he learned simple tunes and moved on from there. By the time he was in College, Teddy had a full-size accordion and could play, by ear, the popular songs of his day along with a variety of Mexican tunes, usually singing as he played.
One of the “free jobs” Teddy loved to do was to play the organ in the Catholic Parishes in Roy and Mosquero. “Serving as an organist for my church each Sunday, and the other special services such as weddings, anniversaries and funerals is the one job I really enjoy.” He played for the Holy Family Parish in Roy for 26 years and for Mosquero’s St. Joseph’s Parish for several years until he retired.
Teddy faced life with a positive attitude and outlook. His smile, energy, and his love for life, family and friends will be remembered and missed by many. The Springer News Bulletin described him in April 1991 as a “devoted father, an honest neighbor and public servant, par excellence.” For all the reasons mentioned above, Doroteo Martinez, JR. was recognized by Congress Woman Michelle Lujan Grisham at the New Mexico House of Representatives. In her Speech, she stated, “D.M. personifies the idea that with hard work, persistence, and dedication nothing is unattainable. It is individuals like D. M. that make our country strong, and his vision and accomplishments serve as an inspiration for the future generation of New Mexicans. D.M. truly has lived his life to the fullest and demonstrates the impact that one individual can have on an entire community. “
Teddy was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, one son David Martinez, his parents Doroteo M Martinez SR. and Carolina Martinez, and 4 brothers Arthur Martinez, Tony Martinez, Eppie Martinez SR. and Lazaro Martinez. He is survived by his Loving daughter Dori Castaneda (Pete) of Topeka, his Loving daughter Regina Martinez (Walter) of Aurora, his son Denis Martinez (Elizabeth) of Roy New Mexico and a Loving Daughter-in-Law Susie Martinez of Las Cruces, Two Sisters Maria Sanchez of Roy New Mexico and Carolina Gonzales of Albuquerque. 10 Grandchildren and 35 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.
The Rosery will take place on Thursday, April 5th, 2018, at 7pm, at Holy Family Catholic Church, in Roy, NM. The Memorial Mass will take place Friday, April 6th, 2018 at 10 am. Burial and Military Honors Will take place at Solano Cemetery following the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Doroteo’s life.
I did not know this gentleman, but he sounded like a rare and wonderful man!! May God rest his soul.