Elias Rivera Martinez

Elias Martinez de Rivera returned to his heavenly home on April 28th, 2023. The Lord granted him seventy-four years to carry out His Good work upon this life and he did so with great passion. He is a man of great character though his humility won’t allow him to admit it. From his earliest years in Chihuahua, Mexico to his home in El Paso, Elias shows himself to be kind, but strong with his younger brother, Eliseo, in tow. Working with his father and mother, Elias and Magdalena, in a new place where the language was a challenge, Elias always strives to excel to be the very best and the best person to those around him.

Graduating from Burges High School in 1967, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from California Polytechnic University in 1978, and serving his country in the Air Force during Vietnam, Elias never shies away from hard work. He speaks of his beautiful wife Maria as lovingly today as when they first met in the house of the Lord as youngsters. His dedication to demonstrating the ways of the Lord to his kids is evident even today. Raise up a child in the ways of the Lord and when he is old, he shall not depart from it. To this end, Elias works. Of himself, he humbly speaks, recognizing the grace and beauty of the adage, “I know I’m not the man I ought to be, but by God’s grace and mercy, I know I’m not the man I used to be.”

As strong and firm a man as he is, Elias’ heart is filled to overflowing by one thing that wells up and spills over his eyes – His grace. Studying and analyzing and reviewing and debating and looking and searching the Lord’s Scripture, Elias is always willing to impart the wisdom of the Lord to others in the best ways he knows how. Many around him find great knowledge and gain such learning from his ability to show others the beauty and wonder of the Lord’s work. And in his firm dedication to the Lord, there is a kindness and gentleness for the experiences of others that doesn’t escape him.

Elias’ legacy for this life lies with his wife, chosen by God, given to him in love and realized in his sons, his grandchildren Leyla, Eva, Adam, Ali and even those he adopted in his heart as grandchildren, Deven, Aurora, and Brandon, never forgetting that he too was adopted into grace by the Lord. The many cousins, nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters in Christ will testify to his influence in their lives, each holding special memories in their hearts about him. And as always, when someone points to him, he points upwards, acknowledging the source of his greatest love and wisdom.

These words are written as about one who is still living, to which Elias most lovingly responds, “Yes! When they say that I have died, do not weep, do not fear, but rather rejoice! For it is then that I shall be most alive!” He has moved to that place prepared for him by the Lord,that he may diligently and joyously stand in the presence of the Almighty and proclaim, “You are God.” Though he will be missed, it shall only be for a season…

Visitation for Elias will be held Monday, May 8, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 PM. Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Blvd.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMartin.com for the Martinez family.