Samuel David Martinez
( December 17, 1958 – May 13, 2022 )
Sam was called home on May 13 th, 2022 after a lengthy illness. He was born on December 17 th, 1958 in Raton New Mexico. 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 junior college where he studied electronics. Sam enjoyed being with friends and fellow Navy brothers and sisters. 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 (Grant) Martinez, his paternal grandparents Solomon and Simonita Martinez, and 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 infant grandson Alias Martinez, brother Ernest Lee Martinez and nephews Basil Marquez and Johnpaul Quintana.
Sam is survived by his children, Celina and husband Jimmy Apodaca, and their children Audriana, JJ, Jaycee, and Kyle of Springer NM, Christian Martinez and Connie Martinez both of Raton New Mexico and Soni Christopher Martinez of Portsmouth Virginia; brother Solomon and wife Sharon Martinez of Colorado Springs, Co, sisters Dolores and husband James Marquez and sister Theresa Duran and husband Victor all of Raton and Susie and husband Fabian Quintana of Edgewood New Mexico. Additionally, Sam leaves behind nieces Bonnie Tollefson of Las Vegas, NV, Brittany Nicole Martel of Canyon City Colorado, Rebecca Martinez of Denver, CO, Vicki, and husband Brad Bealmear of Amarillo TX, Tautiana Martinez of Colorado Springs Co, Robin Martinez of Raton, Jackie Ortiz of Raton, Amber Rivas of Trinidad, Co; nephews JB Marquez of Raton, John and his wife Diana Martinez of Phoenix AZ, Edward Martinez of Raton Albert Ortiz of Raton, and Joseph and his wife Antoinette Quintana of Albuquerque and their families. Many other nieces nephews, cousins, and friends survive Sam
Pallbearers will be Cadin Fissel, Isaiah Montano, Isaac Montano, JJ Apodaca, Victor Duran and Adam Fissel. Honorary pallbearer Isabel Rivas.
Funeral services for Samuel David Martinez will be held on June 30th, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Saint Patrick’s/St Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Arrangements for Samuel David Martinez are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
