Armando Martinez

Armando Martinez entered eternal life on August 7, 2016, after a long battle with cancer. He fought the good fight for nearly two years and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Armando Martinez was born in El Paso, Texas on July 18, 1944 to Julian & Refugia Martinez. Armando is survived by his loving wife and “travel companion” Janice Martinez and five children: Melissa Weinman (Dan) of Scottsdale, AZ; Sandra Lerma (Isaias) of Yuma, AZ; Julian Martinez (Sharon) of Tucson, AZ; Stacy Ries (Joel) of Mesa, AZ; Shannon Kranz (Lisa) of New Baltimore, MI., 17 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. As a testament to the type of person he was, Armando is also survived by his ex-wife Mary Jessie Martinez with whom he had three loving children. They remained lifelong friends. He is also survived by his brothers Socorro “Scotty” Martinez and Robert Martinez,sisters Irene (Don) Muckridge, and Theresa Emerson. Armando is preceded in death by his parents Julian and Refugia Martinez, brother Manuel Martinez, and sister Mary Nelson.

Armando was retired from the United States Border Patrol after 22 years of service.

Armando is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Joel Lerma, Joellen Morales, Camie Baker, Kaitlen Oliver,

Jonathan Kranz, Kelsea Kranz, Amber Summey, Jocelyn Lerma, Kayla Martinez, Jacob Ries, Maya Weinman, Jacquelyn Ries, Tristan Weinman, David Martinez, Joseph Kranz, Karly Kranz andJustis Kranz

Armando is also survived by 2 great-grandchildren: Annette Morales and Amelia Burnaine

Armando is also survived by brothers and sisters: Teresa Emerson of Tempe, AZ, Socorro Martinez of Burbank, CA, Irene Muckridge of Cambridge City, IN, and Robert Martinez of El Paso, TX.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Armando Martinez was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Armando grew up in Yuma where he worked as a paperboy delivering newspapers, and he also worked as a men’s clothing salesman at the old JM McDonald’s Department Store in old town Yuma. He then went on to sell real estate in the mid 1970’s and also worked for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for a few years. Armando also served his country working for the United States Border Patrol for 22 years finally retiring in 2000. He had many friends and was always willing to help those he knew.

Armando enjoyed meeting his “coffee buddies” most mornings for coffee and political debate. These were often drawn out and heated arguments, and although they often disagreed, they always parted as friends. Armando often went out of his way to help people. He was caring, devoted, and most of all loyal. Armando will be dearly missed.

Viewing will be Thursday, August 11, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Johnson Mortuary, 1415 S. 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364

Church services will be held Friday, August 12, 2016, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church 1815 S. 8th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364 followed by a procession to Desert Lawn Cemetery for graveside services with full Border Patrol honors.

Reception will follow at Fraternal Order of Eagles 225 S. 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364.

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, AZ.