Nat Martinez

78, born on March 14, 1936 in Las Vegas New Mexico passed away peacefully at home in Henderson, Colorado on July 20, 2014 following an extended illness. Survived by Elaine, loving wife of 35 years, Father of Julie Martinez, Genevieve Martinez, Richard Martinez, Julian (Corrinna) Martinez and Andrea (Kurk) Fleischacker; 20 grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren, a niece Janie (Joe) Gonzales of Denver and many other loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Natividad and Juanita Martinez, sister Lucy Maestas, brother John Martinez, and son Nathan Martinez.

As a very young child Nat’s father moved the family to Los Alamos New Mexico. One of Nat’s first jobs was a pin setter at the bowling alley in Los Alamos. Later they moved to Denver where Nat attended Denver Public Schools. This is when he saw a color TV for the first time displayed in a window at the Denver Dry Goods store in downtown Denver. He also is a survivor of the Great Depression era in the 1940’s.

Mr. Martinez enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 at the young age of 17 and was sent to Germany where he worked his way up to Military Rank – Staff Sergeant and was released in 1956 with an honorable discharge. In 1972 he joined pipefitters local #208 and became a Union Journeymen Pipefitter Welder.

In 1988 Mr. Martinez founded Martinez Mechanical and brought his wife Elaine and five children on board. Mr. Martinez was Owner and President of Martinez Mechanical Incorporated for 24 years and was proud of his family helping him to complete his legacy. He was a go getter and a knowledgeable business man and was well known in the business community. Mr. Martinez loved shooting pool, fishing and most of all gambling. He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great Grandfather, a role model, a tough guy, a kind and gentle man with the biggest heart. He will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation

Sunday July 27, 2014 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Olinger Highland Mortuary

10201 N. Grant Street, Thornton, Colorado 80229

Visitation

Monday July 28, 2014 9:00am – 10am

The Church in South Denver

2288 S. Tennyson Denver, CO 80219

Funeral Service

Monday July 28, 2014 10:00am – 11:30am

The Church in South Denver

2288 S. Tennyson Denver, CO 80219

Commital Services

Monday July 28, 2014 12:15pm

Ft. Logan National Cemetery - Staging Area C

3698 S. Sheridan Blvd. Denver, CO 80236

Reception

Monday July 28, 2014 1:00pm

The Church in South Denver

2288 S. Tennyson Denver, CO 80219

Serving as pallbearers will be Mr. Martinez’s grandsons, Jonathan Mondragon, Richard P. Martinez, Ricky Martinez Jr. Nathan Martinez Jr., Monty Montez Jr., and Michael Martinez. Honorary pallbearers will be Everett Archuleta and Tony Maestas. The Martinez family wishes to thank the staff of TRU Community Care for the loving care that was provided to Nat in his final months of life. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Nat may be made to TRU Community Care 2594 Trailridge Drive East Lafayette, CO 80026.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, Thornton, CO.