Leon E. Martinez

Leon E. Martinez, 84, of Denver, CO passed away peacefully at Swedish Medical Center, surrounded by his family, on September 8, 2017. He was born in Grand Junction, CO, April 10, 1933, where he grew up on his family’s farm. He was one of 11 children. The daily chores, including caring for livestock permanently instilled a great work ethic. He never lost his love of farming and maintained a vegetable garden whenever he could. He had a green thumb, could grow vegetables in a coffee cup, and had done so recently.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and later joined the Colorado Army National Guard, from which he retired.

When he moved to Denver, he married Codell A. Martinez, and they raised four children. They divorced before their children were grown, but remained dedicated parents, both in attendance at nearly all family events and milestones, including those of their grandchildren.

Leon had such a strong work ethic he usually held more than one job at a time. He retired from Gates Rubber Company after 30 years. During the same time, he owned and operated his own businesses, including a liquor store, janitorial service, rental properties and even a paper route from time to time. In addition he took courses in Auto Mechanics, Real Estate, Carpentry and TV Repair. He spent spare time volunteering to drive a church bus as well as providing transportation for many family and friends. He was a man who liked to stay busy. In his retired years, he liked to socialize at what he called “The Old Man’s Club”, known to most of us as Winchell’s Donut House and McDonald’s.

He is survived by his children Cordelia Brimage (Mark) Derzay, Derringer (Tina) Martinez, Colt (Laura) Martinez, Dawn Marie (Chet) Williams; 2 sisters, Mary Rambolt and Viola Hook; a brother, Tony Martinez; Grandchildren, Stefan Derzay, Heidi (Michael) Holleran, and Anthony Derzay, Preston (Gabrielle Archuletta) Brimage; Christopher (Sara) Martinez, Stephanie Martinez, Jonathon, Bryan and Daniel Martinez, Jacare (Erin), DeVonte, and Amari (Victoria Gonzales) Williams; 2 great grandchildren, Athena Alexis Brimage and Adrian Browning Martinez. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be a Vigil Service and opportunity to share memories, Tuesday, 9/12/2017, 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Advantage Runyan-Stevenson Trevino Chapel, 6425 West Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226, and a Funeral Mass, Wednesday, 10:00 am, at All Saint’s Catholic Parish, 2559 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219. Burial and military honors to follow at 12:15pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, South Sheridan Blvd.

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Runyan Stevenson Chapel, Lakewood, CO.