David Martinez

DAVID A. MARTINEZ, 86, a resident of Velarde, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 16, 2017 after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Bernardita Martinez; wife, Clara Belle Martinez; son, David Joseph Martinez; parents-in-law, Amadeo and Rosita Salazar. David served in the Korean War as an Army Infantry Soldier from March 1951 to December 1952. Upon returning from his military service, he married his beautiful bride, ClaraBelle on November 26, 1953. This was the beginning of his loving family. David was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His passion was camping and hunting with his sons. He enjoyed working on his farm where he grew apples. He was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone and enjoyed life to the fullest until the very end. He will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.  Mr. Martinez is survived by his children, Debbie L. Garcia and husband Anthony of Albuquerque and Donald L. Martinez and companion Julie Gallegos of Española; grandchildren, Leyla Trujillo (Gilbert), Little Anthony, Jenine (Jamal), Nicholas (Haneen), Aubrianna, Gabriel and Meme; sisters, Lenora Martinez, Pauline Aragon and JoAnn Olivas (Ray); sisters-in-law, Bridget Salazar, Rosemary Lopez (Charles) and numerous other cherished relatives and friends. A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde, with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Serving the family as pallbearers, Kevin Olivas, Gilbert Trujillo, Johnny Martinez, Ryan Olivas, Daniel Gallegos and Christian Martinez. Honorary pallbearers will be Little Anthony Garcia and Nicholas Martinez. The family of David A. Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com