Raymond F. Martinez

Raymond was born in La Jara, Colorado on August 31, 1928 to Maclovia and Felipe Martinez. He was the sixth child of eight children.

Raymond was active in school and played sports. He lived in La Jara his early life until he graduated from High School. He then joined the Army serving over 4 years. While in the Army, he was stationed for a period in Okinawa during the Korean War. He was promoted to sergeant before being honorably discharged. After returning home to La Jara for a period, he began a job search that took him from the San Luis Valley and his home. His plan was to venture west to California where his two sisters had moved. During his travel, he went through Denver and met a beautiful young woman named Mary. His travel stopped in Denver as Mary captured his heart and became the love of his life. They were married in 1954 and settled in Denver to raise a family. He found employment with the Department of Defense as a civilian Army employee and began his career. He eventually went back to school to obtain a degree in business that led to his eventual title as a Budget Analyst.

During this time, Mary and Raymond had three children named Denise (Veronica) Tolve, Christopher and Edward. Mary and Raymond loved dancing, bowling, ice skating and spending time with their family and friends. Raymond resided in Commerce City until Mary passed away in 1991. The family grew as the children married. Grandchildren include Vanessa Valdez, Charles Martinez , Cody Martinez and Olivia Martinez. Two great grandchildren include Mariah and Natalya Valdez. Raymond stayed in the house that he built for his family until health reasons forced him to move to an assisted living facility in Westminster, Colorado named Keystone Place. At his residence in Keystone Place, he won over the staff at the assisted living facility with his humor and love for dancing. The staff became extended family to Raymond. He passed away to be with Our Lord on October 3, 2012 to join his eternal love and wife Mary.

Raymond is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren listed above as well as sisters Mary Lujan, Lela Ortiz, Erma Gallegos and brother Pete Martinez.He is preceded in his passing by his loving wife Mary E. (Mascarenas) Martinez. He is also preceded in his passing by sisters Evelyn (Billie) Quintana, Bertha Salazar and brother Charlie Martinez.