Louis Vincent Martinez Sr.

After battling a long illness at the VA hospital in Grand Junction, Louis went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born to Gilbert & Molly Martinez on January 3rd, 1946, in Grand Junction, CO., He pursued his education at Grand Junction High School before making the noble decision to serve his country. From 1964 to 1968, he served with pride in the US Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Tolovana A0-64. In 1973, he was injured in a car accident, and due to that, he started a new life as a quadriplegic. For a remarkable 51 years, he was confined to his wheelchair, which is a testament to his strength and resilience and an achievement that is unheard of.

He acquired a degree in guidance and counseling from Mesa College and his master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, in 1978. He eventually built his own business, Martinez Counseling Services, where he provided domestic violence/group counseling. He also worked for School District 51 as a school counselor, where he built lifelong relationships with youth and families until he retired in 2006.

He dedicated his time and love for the community through many organizations, such as a founding member of the infamous Dino Wheelers, participated in the National Veteran’s Wheelchair Games, the Latin Anglo Alliance since 1987, a lifetime member of the VFW Post 3981, and a Grand Junction VA Ambassador where he wore his vest proudly. He was a fixture at the VA Hospital doing volunteer work, with over 1700 hours dedicated to fellow veterans.

Louis had many hobbies, but one of his favorite hobbies was providing loved ones with personalized yearly calendars, a tradition he began every January! He enjoyed fishing at the Grand Mesa, going on walks with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending the JUCO World Series, and, most importantly, cherished spending quality time with his family and friends, who inevitably became like family to him. Connie and Louis also loved to travel together to visit family. His Veteran Wheelchair games took them all over the United States. Their travel highlights were Hawaii and New York City. They spent 37 wonderful years together and their love was an inspiration to many.

He was a kind, caring, and selfless man who brought smiles and happiness wherever he went. He was a social butterfly and knew everybody, giving each one his undivided attention. Sometimes, though, we’d have to hurry him along, or else we’d be there all day! He was sometimes silly and loved to sneak away with his grandchildren for lunch and snacks without grandma’s approval! He was a remarkable example of dedication, loyalty, and compassion. He was a father figure to many and was always there to guide us with his wisdom, compassion, and godly counsel. Despite the challenges and obstacles he faced, his contagious smile and big heart full of love remained steady every day. He was a fighter, a role model, and an inspiration to many, and his faith was unwavering. He loved the Lord wholeheartedly and was ready to be with Jesus. He was our hero. He would always take the time to stop what he was doing and be present and spend time with his loved ones. One thing is for sure: he prayed continually for those that he knew and loved. We all looked up to a man we looked down to. He was all this and so much more.

He is survived by his siblings, Ida Crespin (Phil); nieces Liz, Wendy, and Tish and their families, all of Tucson, Arizona; Linda Gomez; and nephew Manuel, both of Grand Junction, Colorado.

In 1980, he met Connie Manzanares at a workshop where he was presenting about life as a quadriplegic. Her son, Fred, had been recently injured in a car accident. A beautiful friendship and love blossomed from that moment on. On July 29, 1987, they were married. As a result, they built the most beautiful, blended family, which consists of Angie Welke, her daughter Crystal Garcia, her daughters Ashley Nicole Aria and Makayla Brummit, and Rhea (Jesse) Thompson, her children Jessica Knight and Tayson Leon Wilson. Maria (Mia) Martinez, her children Christopher Cisneros, Anthony Baros, and Antonia Martinez, and her children Alyxandria and Elyzabeth. Louis’ son, Louis V. Martinez Jr, his children Josh Denning; his sons Jaxon and Jakob; Amanda (Britt) Toole, her son Korbyn Wright; and Jamie Martinez, her children Carter, Trae, and Amaya Swartz. Fred (Lourdes) Gemoya, their sons Geronimo and Benjamin; Edward (Debbie) Gemoya and Robin Gemoya, her daughter Sylvia (Buddy) Muguerza, their children Josiah and Rozlynn; and Michael Cordova, his children Matthew, Jessica, and Kynleigh and finally and the reason for their marriage was Ermalinda Hernandez (Rick) and her daughter Yolanda Macias.

He is preceded in death by his father Gilbert, mother Molly, daughters Angie and Mia, niece Molly, and sister Judy (Ramon) Quesada, all of Grand Junction, CO.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, June 5th, from 6-8 pm at Callahan Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Road Grand Junction, CO 81505.

A celebration of life will occur Thursday, June 6th, 2024, at Clifton Christian Church, located at 3241 F 1/4 Road Clifton, CO 81520. A viewing for family and friends will start at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. and a reception right after.

A graveside service with military honors will occur Friday, June 7th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501.