Ernest Joe Martinez

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Canyon View Vineyard Church chapel. A concluding service and inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, with a reception after at the VFW at Four Street and Ute Avenue.

He is survived by a son, Victor Ernie; four daughters, Mary Ann Peralta, Pula Martinez Robles, Sara Suazo and Yvonne McLellan; three stepchildren, Cynthia Ferrales, Elesio Lopez and Fares Lopez; a brother, Manuel Martinez Jr.; three sisters, Mary Martinez, Barbara Ezrre and Dorothy Tanori; amd numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ernest J. ""Ernie"" Martinez

August 1, 1935 - February 28, 2015

Ernie Martinez, 79, was called home February 28, 2015. He was a life-long resident of Grand Junction and was surrounded by those he loved. He was born to Manuel Martinez and Patsy Lovato on August 1, 1935.

Ernie enjoyed outdoor life; fishing with his son and friends, Bar-B-Q's with family, watching Westerns and Wrestling on television, and visiting with life-long friends, Tino Martinez and David Banks. In his younger years he was a boxer in Grand Junction and represented them throughout the Southwest.

Survivors include daughters; Mary Ann Peralta, Paula Martinez Robles, Sara Suazo and Yvonne McLellan. He also had a granddaughter that he helped raise, Tanya Sandoval Pecot; son, Victor Ernie (Barbara) Martinez; and step-children, Cynthia Ferrales, Elesio Lopez and Fares Lopez. Ernie also has three sisters, Mary Martinez, Barbara Ezrre, and Dorothy Tanori; and brother, Manuel Martinez Jr. all of whom he loved very much. Grandpa Ernie had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even some great-great-grandchildren at the time of his passing. He is also survived by ""Pretty Bird"" his parakeet who brought him much joy!

Ernie's parents; brothers, Tony, Gilbert, Tommy, Johnny Joe; half-brother, Albert Herrera; wife, Dorothy Sandoval; and daughter, Ramona Lugo preceded him in death.

There will be a service at Canyon View Vineyard Church at 11:00 a.m., Saturday March 7th, followed by a burial service at Orchard Mesa Cemetery and a Celebration of Life Luncheon at the VFW on 14th and Ute.

Dad, Brother, Grandpa you will be missed!

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Mar. 5, 2015