On August 2, 1939, a little boy was born in the small town of Dixon, New Mexico. He would grow up to serve his country in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, as a Chief Petty Officer, Hospital Medical Corpmen, including 2 tours in Vietnam; graduate from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas with a degree in Homebuilding, build a 2 story home himself for his family, work as a letter carrier, become an accomplished cook, licensed barber, architect, and farmer, as well as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He passed away peacefully the night of November 17, 2020 while in hospice care at the age of 81.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonardo Martinez and Juanita (Mascarenas) Martinez, brothers Victor and Gene Martinez, in-laws Emmett and Mary Jaime, and son, Jerry Martinez.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Rose Marie (Jaime) Martinez, daughter Cynthia Joy Martinez, grandson Jeffrey Douglas Martinez, and sisters Helen Madrigal, Melita Duran, Nora Blanco, numerous nieces and nephews and dog Buddy.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mr. Thomas Cook, P.A., Dr. Sudama Tholpady, the CLC Staff at Audie Murphy Veteran's Hospital, VITAS Hospice, and the staff at Rosewood Rehabilitation and Care Center.
He will receive full military honors at Ft. Sam Houston. There will be no official service.
Thus, this kind, humble man is returning to the arms of God. We wish him “fair winds and following seas.”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of John Henry to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org
