Ubaldo Manuel Martinez

May 5, 1925 – Jan. 23, 2014

“ GraPa “

Manuel Martinez passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 23, 2014. He was prepared to meet his Lord and Savior and he rejoined his beloved wife in the glory of heaven. Manuel was born on May 5, 1925 to Cristerna and Manuel Martinez in Cortez, CO. Growing up in Pump Canyon, Manuel enjoyed a simple life with his family, at the age of 15 he began working to help support the family and worked on his father’s farm for 3 years where he tended cattle and cultivated grain. He entered the military as a 17 year old telling a small fib about his age to be able to go fight for his country. He was trained and placed with the 110th Infantry Regiment and part of a 12 man rifle squad. In Jun of 1944 he was sent into battle and involved in the second wave of the US invasion at Omaha Beach, France. He was later captured by the German military along with 11 of his fellow service men on Oct. 10, 1944 and was liberated by General Patton on Apr. 29, 1945. He was held as a POW at Stalag 7A Munich, Germany. Manuel earned many citations and decorations before being honorably discharged Nov. 25, 1945. After healing from his ordeal he returned to Blanco to marry his first and only love, Cecilia Gonzales on July 6, 1945 in Blanco, NM. They moved to Magna, UT in 1949 where he worked in different jobs before spending 34 years with Kennecott Copper Corporation. In recent years his main enjoyment was his grand and great grandchildren and his love for the Colorado Rockies. He is preceded in death by his wife Cecilia, sons Alvin and Paul, Parents, and one granddaughter, Lisa. He is survived by his children Theresa (Dave) Guevara, Alvina (Emerson) McCarty, David (Terese) Martinez, Kathy (Keith) Uderjohn, Deanne (Gordon) Stipanovich. 12 grandchildren, David (Marci), Anthony (Jackie), Brian (Angela), Gary (Melissa), Darrin (Ebi), Tyler (Megan), Derrick (Tina), Ryan (Jessica), Dustin (Aleshia), Thomas, Andi, and Shay. 18 Great Grand Children and one more due in June who he met early in the morning of the 23rd. Sister, Juanita. A celebration of life service will be held at Mt Calvary Worship Center 3050 South 3200 West W.V.C., UT. Jan. 28, 2014 11:00am. Viewing at Mt Calvary Worship Center Jan. 27, 2014 6:00 – 8:00pm and one hour prior to the celebration of life service Jan. 28th. Interment Valley View Memorial Park 4335 W 4100 S immediately after the services. Special thanks to Pastor Jaime Moreno for being there to pray with Dad for acceptance to our Lords Kingdom. To Jessica and the staff at Harman Senior Center for making Dads life filled with laughs and the many friends he cherished. To the staff at Pioneer Valley Hospital Emergency Room and ICU unit for their angel like care. Psalm 52:10 – But I, like an olive tree in the house of God, trust in God’s faithful love forever. Dad we will all love and keep you in our hearts forever. Give Mom a big squeeze and kiss from all of us! Condolences may be sent to the family @valleyviewfuneral.com.