Richard Ben Martinez

Richard was born on April 3, 1919 in Pueblo, Colorado to Joe Martinez and Antonia Gevara Martinez. The family moved to the area in 1924 where he went to school, before entering the local coalmines. He would mine at the Columbine, Boulder Valley #2, Imperial and Eagle Mines locally. He later went to Wyoming where he joined the Stansberry Mine, in Rock Springs. After retiring from the difficult work, he returned to Erie, opening the Stardust Bar. He would operate this establishment from 1950 to 1985, when he retired.

Richard married Emma Lena Espinoza on December 27, 1937 in Lafayette.

Richard was always involved in his community. He was a long time member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was a member of the VFW Men’s Auxiliary and the Elks Lodge, both in Lafayette. He was a proud coach and sponsor of many baseball teams that played in the Mexican League around Colorado and Wyoming. He was responsible for helping start little league baseball in Erie.

Preceding him in death is his wife, three sons Paul, Kenneth and Frank Martinez, two brothers Bob Martinez and Manuel Martinez and a sister August Gallegos and a grandson Chris Martinez.

Surviving are his son Richard Martinez of Longmont; daughters Elaine Montano (Ted Duran) of Lafayette and Terri Ortiz (Ed Torres) of Westminster; a daughter-in-law Joann DiSalle of Thornton; and two sisters Lucy Portugal and Jenny Salas both of Denver; 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 1, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Howe Mortuary in Longmont.

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. both at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Interment will follow at the Longmont Mountain View Cemetery.

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