Socorro was preceded by his parents, Jose and Angela Martinez, his brothers Joey, Richard and Manuel Martinez and his sisters, Lupie Molina and Gloria Magaña. He leaves behind his wife, Mieke Martinez, his daughter Melissa and her husband Rene Casteñeda and grandchildren Isaac and Jazmine Casteñeda. He also leaves behind stepdaughter Maryke Nichols, Rodger, Stepsons Don and Jarrod Banta, Shelly, and Carol. In addition, step-grandchildren Tyler, Shelby and McKenna Nichols; Brittney, Kadence and Lauren Banta; Jessica and Colton McDuffee and Laura Banta. He also leaves behind his brother Thomas Martinez and sister-in-law Olga Martinez as well as numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Socorro was born on October 22, 1942 in Firebaugh, California. He attended Las Deltas and Firebaugh Elementary schools and graduated from Dos Palos High in 1961. After graduating, Socorro studied Agriculture at Modesto Jr. college. In 1967, at the age of 25, Socorro was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Vietnam Conflict. He served during the Tet Offensive with the 9th Infantry Division.
While in service he was awarded The Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement While Participating in Aerial Flight, The Bronze Star for Heroism in Ground Combat, and an Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in Connection with Military Operations Against a Hostile Force in the Republic of Vietnam During the Period 27th of October 1967 to 20th of August 1968. He was Honorably discharged in May of 1969.
When he returned from Vietnam Socorro worked in various Ag positions with Western Farm Service, Silver Creek Packing and Farmers Firebaugh Ginning Company. He married Rosemary Cota and together they had one daughter, Melissa in 1973. In 2004 he married the love of his life Mieke Banta, they lived in Mendota, CA before moving to Clovis, CA in 2018.
He participated in UFW (United Farm Workers) events supporting the migrant farm labor movement. Socorro was also an avid member of MAPA (Mexican American Political Association). He was an active member of Firebaugh VFW post 7380. Socorro served as Post Commander for the 2001-2002 term. Socorro was honored to have served for his country. If you knew him you knew he was proud of his service. He also loved serving adult refreshments at the VFW dances and the Cantaloupe Roundup.
Socorro loved his Family and Extended Family, he truly loved going camping with everyone. He loved these trips so much that he would bring food for two weeks when we only had the campground for three days! He would bring that dreaded tent with all the colors faded out. Oh and don’t forget the Red Bull, you know what we’re talking about, good times.
Socorro also loved his gardening. You could find tomatoes, chilis, potatoes, onions and various other vegetables in his garden. Even though he was in a wheel chair, that didn’t stop him. Socorro loved his 9th division reunions with his former Vietnam Comrades. He was looking forward to this May, they were going to come to Fresno this year to see him because he was unable to attend the last two reunions due to health issues. Socorro loved playing cards with his buddies in Mike Camacho’s garage. Soky also loved his get togethers with his long time buddies Mike Leyva, Art Salazar, Arturo Mesa, Robert Carillo, Shorty Hernandez, Cruz Martinez and Joe Bettencourt.
Soky also loved going to the Fresno Grizzly games and using the season tickets he had with Mieke. Soky was truly a die hard fan of the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the MARTINEZ family.
