Raymond Martinez, age 78, of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and Henderson, Nevada passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024. He was born in Del Norte, Colorado on August 18, 1945 to Juan B. and Pablita Martinez. Raymond was the youngest of 10 siblings.
Raymond grew up in Pagosa Springs and graduated from Pagosa High School in 1964 where he excelled in athletics. Raymond served his country honorably in the US Army during the Vietnam war. After his service, Raymond joined his family in Henderson, Nevada and married his wife of 56 years, Karen Chambers Martinez.
Raymond retired from Timet after 35 years. During his tenure, he was an accomplished and dedicated welder. Raymond’s work can be seen across the Vegas Valley in the form of titanium crosses that he crafted to adorn the tops of several local churches and hospitals. One of Raymond’s crosses tops St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Henderson. St. Peter is special for the family because it is where Raymond married Karen, where he was a parishioner for 50+ years and is the church that will hold his funeral mass.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Raymond was a lifelong avid outdoorsman. A fisherman at heart, Raymond loved spending days with a fishing pole in his hand. He loved fishing and his family loved the fish frys that followed. Raymond also loved hunting, four-wheeling, and camping with his family. When he was not outside, Raymond enjoyed spending time with family and beloved dogs; watching the Broncos, Rebels basketball and Notre Dame football games; eating homemade beans, tortillas and chile; watching National Geographic and listening to Country Chuck.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Jonathan (Hope) Martinez; daughter, Kathleen (Chris) Mueller; grandchildren: Ashley, Bailey, Zachary, Christopher, Patrick and Jonathan. Additionally, Raymond is survived by numerous nieces and nephews including Raymond’s lifelong friend and partner in crime, Gabriel Hendricks. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Joe Martinez, Helen Archuleta, Mary Quintana, Rosalie Higley, Lawrence Martinez, Margaret Hendricks, Jerry Martinez, Donelia Mullis and Clara Martinez.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to family and friends for their support at this time and over the past few years. Special thanks go to David and Donna Martinez. David and Donna supported Raymond and Karen on the best and worst of days with love, compassion and delicious home cooked meals.
To honor Raymond's life, a visitation for Raymond will be held Monday, July 22, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A rosary will follow at 6:00 PM both at Palm Mortuary - Henderson, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. A funeral mass will be Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 204 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89015. Raymond will be laid to rest alongside his family at Hilltop Cemetery in Pagosa Springs, Colorado in the months following the funeral. May he rest in eternal peace.
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