Tony entered the U.S. Navy on March 6, 1953, and served on the Destroyer USS Brown DD-546. He served during the Korean War in 1954 and he earned medals and ribbons for National Defense, China Service, Korean Service, and United Nations Service. Tony earned his G.E.D. in the U.S. Navy on September 13, 1956, and he was trained as an Engine Man Class A for 14 weeks. He was discharged in 1957.
Tony furthered his education by attending the Albuquerque School of Welding Electric and Gas in 1963 which was a 140-hour program and then took a welding course in Trinidad Colorado in 1971- 1972. He attended drafting classes in 1972- 1974 and later took small engine repair in Albuquerque.
Tony returned to New Mexico and lived in Raton with his wife, Molly, and their three children where he spent most of his entire life in the garage building and creating things. He fixed things that were broken, and he improved things that were not broken. He was the grandmaster of welding and he twisted metal to craft amazing creations. He welded fences, plant stands, a wine rack, book shelves, room dividers, and much more. Later, he focused on woodwork. He enjoyed making tables, doors, and bookshelves that looked like wooden puzzles as well as carving chains, coyotes, and a replica of the Delicate Arch (from Moab Utah). One of his very special pieces was a small wooden rocking horse for his first granddaughter Selena.
When Tony wasn’t in the garage, he liked to go gambling at the casinos, fishing and he often watched western movies. In 1985, he was the lucky winner of a Ford Escort at the La Mesa Park track. He also liked to cook beans, potatoes, and chile.
Tony worked for Elco Metal Products as a draftsman and metal worker and then Safeway where he was a stocker and cashier. Later, he owned and operated Colfax Sanitation. For many years, Tony helped numerous people in Colfax County with septic services. Tony was everyone’s friend. He especially enjoyed time with his friends, and he treasured his hometown of Springer. Tony loved motorcycles and he reminisced about them. He even had a decent size collection of Harly Davidson t-shirts.
Tony was preceded in death by his beautiful wife and daughter, Molly Martinez and Brenda Martinez. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Telesfor and Jesucita Martinez, brothers Ignacio Martinez, Joe Martinez, Benny Martinez, John Martinez, sisters Florin Martinez, Martha Padilla and Isabel Martinez.
Tony is survived by his children Rick Martinez and Pauline Martinez (John Brandt) of Albuquerque, three amazing granddaughters Selena Maria Brandt, Carmen Segoviana Brandt, Daniela Jon Oliva Brandt, his younger brother Arturo Lee Martinez (Farmington), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be held Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick/St. Joseph’s Catholic Church recited by the Legion of Mary followed the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM with Father Bill Woytavich as the Celebrant. Rite of Committal and Internment with Military Honors will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements for Juan Antonio Martinez are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
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