Manuel O. - Age 75 - Arroyo Seco Martinez

MANUEL O. MARTINEZ, 75, a resident of Arroyo Seco, went home to be with our Lord and savior on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 after a lengthy illness with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Concepcion and Esther Martinez; brothers, Freddie and Eloy; in-laws, Guzman and Antonita Vigil and brothers-in-law, Bobby and Mike. Manuel was born December 7, 1936. He served his country proudly in the US Air Force in the early 1950’s with tours in Germany and Korea. He returned home to start his life and family with his high school sweetheart Lilly. They settled and built a home in Arroyo Seco where they lived until his passing. Manuel worked hard all his life to provide for his family. He retired from Center Market after 40 years and ran his small engine repair shop until his illness. Manuel was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many years of fishing, hunting and wood hauling with his sons. He also taught them how to work with their hands and minds in many skilled trades. Manuel will be sorely missed by all that knew his kind and friendly demeanor. He never went anywhere without making a friend or offering assistance. Mr. Martinez is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lilly V. Martinez; sons, Ted, Israel and wife Anita, Tim, Joseph and Mark and wife Stephanie; grandchildren, Feliciana, Jill, Daniel, Alyssa, Laura, Samuel, Miranda, Amanda, Lillyana and Mark Anthony and great-grandchildren, Alexis and Sophia; siblings, Bertha and husband Orlando and family, Tessie and husband Henry and family, Lorraine and family, Gilbert and family, Joe and wife Viola and family and Richard Martinez and numerous other relatives and friends. Public visitation will begin on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Española with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. also at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Española. Burial to follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. The family of Manuel O. Martinez has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory. 505-747-7477

---