Ignacio Martinez age 85 passed Sunday, September 6th in Walsenburg Colorado. He was born 16 August 1935 in Springer, NM, and a graduate of Springer High School. He was one of 8 children, born to Telesfor and Jesucita Vigil Martinez.
Ignacio enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school and served during the Korean War. He was very proud to call himself a Marine…Semper Fi!
Ignacio returned to his beloved New Mexico after completing his military service and met the Love of his life, Charlotte.
For the majority of his post-military life, he was a supervisor at a hollow metal manufacturing company. He oversaw many significant projects including skyscraper construction in large US metro areas. Ignacio’s professional travels included frequent visits to Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. Ignacio also had a local impact as he fabricated and installed the window frames at St. Patrick’s church in downtown Raton.
While raising a family and working long days in the metal fabrication industry, Ignacio tirelessly furthered his education by completing drafting classes at Trinidad State Jr College and Dale Carnegie professional development courses.
He was very creative with his hands, bending metal to his will and vision. One of his passions was restoring old vehicles; he had a limitless passion for mid-century American cars. Another passion was a love of the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
The most important element of Ignacio’s character, however, was his boundless love and support for his family. His wife, kids, and grand-kids were his world, and he provided a stellar example of a model patriarch
Ignacio had a classic charm to his personality, with mischievous eyes that were always ready to break into a smile. To know him was to love him, and he garnered a large roster of friends across all walks of life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Telesfor and Jesucita Martinez; Brothers Joe Martinez, Benny Martinez, John Martinez, and sister Florin
Ignacio is survived by his wife Charlotte; children Manuel Martinez, (Trinidad); Debra White (Chad) Colorado; Dolores Martinez (partner Javier) California; Telesfor Martinez (Suzannah) Germany; Ray Montoya (Raton). Stepchildren Pearl Ford, Raton; Gloria Maestas, Pueblo; and Earlene Mogavero, Pueblo.
3 Grandsons Jason, Valente, and Aidan; 3 granddaughters Jessica, Shelby, and Avery. Numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He is also survived by his brother’s Tony Martinez (Molly) Raton, Arturo Lee Martinez (Mary) Farmington, and sisters Martha Padilla (Pueblo), and Isabel Martinez, Raton.
The Solemn Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, September 12th at 10:00 O’clock in the morning with Father Rob Yacksich as celebrant at St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Military Honors to follow at Fairmont cemetery.
Arrangements for Ignacio Martinez are under the direction of the Alderette Pomeroy funeral home of Raton.
