Joe Ernest Eugene Martinez, was born in Trinidad, Colorado to John and Mary Martinez, and was the middle of twelve siblings. He married the love of his life, Diane Espinoza, on May 4, 1974. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a radio man on the USS Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser for four years. He served in the Vietnam War.
Joe spent the majority of his life in Fort Lupton, Colorado working as a butcher at Safeway, a heavy equipment operator at Richie Bros., and most importantly, a servant to God’s calling. Joe, with his wife Diane, lovingly raised four children ( 2 girls and 2 boys) on a 10 acre farm, where family and friends were always welcome and created lots of memories. Joe enjoyed fishing, pheasant hunting, gardening, playing cards, clay shooting, and anything that involved spending time with his family. Joe was passionate about sowing seed, which led to a beautiful garden and colorful landscape, and even more, the seed he planted spiritually in other’s lives. He opened his place to all whom needed a place to stay, and always provided a good hot meal.
Joe is survived by his wife, Diane Martinez; along with four children, Colleen Figueroa (Manuel), Gina Morales (Ray), Gilbert Martinez (Crystal), Joe Martinez, Jr (Nicole); eight grandchildren, Adam Figueroa, Joseph Figueroa, Justin Figueroa, Maraya Martinez, Elyse Trujillo, Nathan Trujillo, Jalen Martinez, and Isaac Morales. He is preceded in death by both of his parents and his sister Jesse.
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