

Lonnie was born December 9, 1925 to Manuel and Mary Martinez in Lovell, Wyoming. The family moved to Colorado Springs when Lonnie was just two years old. He attended Colorado Springs High School. At 18, Lonnie joined the Navy and spent World War II stateside working in an ammunition arsenal in Babbitt, Nevada. During his time in the Navy he was a Golden Gloves Boxer only loosing one fight throughout his boxing career. It was in Babbitt, Nevada that he met the love of his life, Vivian and took her for his bride on June 2, 1945.
Lonnie and Vivian returned to his hometown upon being discharged from the Navy. He began his long career in the automotive industry starting as a mechanic at Marksheffel Motor Company. He then moved to Perkins Motor Company where he faithfully served customers for 40 years. His joy and passion was to be in the business of serving others. His infectious smile and laugh greeted the members of Church for All Nations for over 35 years. He always had words of encouragement or affirmation for those he came across.
Lonnie is survived by: his wife Vivian and his two children, Ron (Sheri) Martinez of Elbert, Colorado and Cindy (Andy) Murphy of Colorado Springs. His legacy of love and compassion live on in the lives of his grandchildren: Stacey (Joe) Templeton, Scott Murphy, Amy (Sam) Vialpando, Matt (Gemma) Murphy, Denise Perse, and Todd Sandoval, and great grandchildren Mariah, Wyatt, Lane, Kayla and Christopher. He is also survived by his sister Georgia (Nick) Ranieri of Jackson, New Jersey and Manuel (Thelma) Martinez of San Antonio, Texas as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration to honor this wonderful man will be held at Church for All Nations 6540 Templeton Gap Road on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Pikes Peak Hospice, whose care and compassion gave dignity to the last days of life for Lonnie. Your tax-deductible donation should be made in honor of Lonnie Martinez to Pikes Peak Hospice 825 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 600 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 or online at pikespeakhospice.org.
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