On May 13th 2022 Samuel David Martinez was called home after a lengthy illness. Sam was the fourth of six children born to Ernest and Mary Martinez on December 17th 1958 in Raton, NM.
During his life, Sam had many places he called home from California to Albuquerque and ultimately back to Raton. Sam lived life on his own terms and is fondly remembered as a free spirit. Sam was a proud Navy veteran having joined the Navy right after he graduated from Raton High School in 1976. After his enlistment period Sam returned to Raton and eventually attended classes at Trinidad State Jr. College where he studied electronics. Sam enjoyed being with friends and fellow Navy brothers. He loved playing guitar and singing, fishing, and sharing stories of his Navy days. Sam was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He would lovingly address his children and sisters as Mija.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary V. (Grant) Martinez, his paternal grandparents Solomon and Simonita Martinez, his maternal grandparents Sam Grant and Beatrice (Romero) and Juan Valdez. In September of 2018, Sam’s heart was broken as a result of the unexpected death of his daughter Cassandra Martinez. Additionally, he was preceded in death by his infant grandson Alias Martinez, brother Ernest Lee Martinez and nephews Basil Marquez and Johnpaul Quintana.
Sam is survived by his children, Celina (Jimmy) Apodaca and their children Audriana, JJ, JayCee and Kyle of Springer, NM, Christian Martinez and Connie Martinez both of Raton, NM and son Christopher Martinez of Portsmouth, Virginia; brother Solomon (Sharon) Martinez of Colorado Springs, Co.; sisters Dolores (James) Marquez and Theresa (Victor) Duran all Raton, NM and Susie (Fabian) Quintana of Edgewood, NM. Additionally, Sam leaves behind nieces Bonnie Tollefson of Las Vegas, Nevada, Brittany Nicolle Martel of Canon City, Co. , Rebecca Martinez of Denver, Co, Vicki (Brad) Bealmear of Amarillo, TX, Tautiana Martinez of Colorado Springs, CO., Robin Martinez of Raton, Jackie Ortiz of Raton, NM, Amber Rivas of Trinidad, CO, and nephews JB Marquez of Raton, John (Diana) Martinez of Phoenix, AZ,. Edward Martinez of Raton, NM, Albert Ortiz of Raton, NM and Joseph (Antoinette) Quintana of Albuquerque, NM, and their families. Many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends survive Sam.
Funeral arrangements for Samuel David Martinez are pending.
