Joe Ernesto Martinez

JOE ERNESTO MARTINEZ, 83, lifelong resident of Lordsburg passed away Saturday July 13, 2024 in Las Cruces.

Visitation will be Friday morning, July 26, 2024 at 9:30 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where a rosary will begin at 10 o’clock.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow with Fr. Jude Okonkwo, Pastor officiating.  Concluding services and interment with honors will be at Shakespeare Cemetery.

Joe was born November 7, 1940 in Lordsburg to Jose Abran and Manuela De La Rosa Martinez.  He graduated from Lordsburg High School in 1960 and married Maria Consuelo Frausto February 23, 1963.  Joe served in the Army National Guard for 24 years and also worked for Southern Pacific Railroad for some time before going to work in Tyrone with Phelps Dodge from where he later retired.  He liked keeping his yard in immaculate condition and especially enjoyed sitting on the porch with his family telling stories or jokes.  Joe loved to cook and was a loyal customer of Saucedo’s Supermarket. He is remembered for his menudo and good times during chile season.  He also liked listening Jazz music, and exercising either riding his bike, walking around the neighborhood, or dancing with his little darlings.  Joe was an avid fan of the Lordsburg Mavericks and loved his family very much.  

He is survived by his wife Maria C. Martinez of the home; daughter Cynthia Martinez of Lordsburg; sons Tommy Martinez (Anita) of El Paso, Nathan Martinez, Daniel Martinez (Lorrie) and Dennis Martinez all of Tucson; 2 brothers, Manuel Martinez (Gloria) of Goodyear, AZ and Ray Martinez (Lorrie) of Tucson; 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Abran Martinez and 1 sister, Adelia Martinez Verdugo.

Pallbearers will be Eduardo Ornelas Jr., Patrick Ornelas, Jacob Martinez, Victor Arambula Jr., Nicolas Arambula, and Brian Martinez.  Honorary bearers are his children, Tommy, Nathan, Daniel, Dennis and Cynthia, and all of his grandchildren.

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