Ignacio Navarette Martinez

Ignacio’s journey started July 31, 1926 in La Union, New Mexico. He was born the youngest to Ysidro and Santiaga Martinez. His childhood wasn’t like one we know today. He dropped out of school in 6th grade to help provide for his family. Family has always been important to him. He was a devoted son and very close to his brothers Domingo and Miguel, and his nieces and nephews.

In 1942 at the young age of 16, he enlisted in the U.S Navy. He soon became an AO, or Aviation Ordnanceman, on the USS Nevada during WWII. Serving his country was one of his proudest accomplishments. After leaving the Navy he went home and worked as a farm hand. That path lead him to the love of his life, Paula Garcia. On September 16, 1954 in Eloy, AZ he stepped off a bus and saw a young woman stepping off another bus, and his first thought was ”she’s very cute”. He absolutely adored her, and everyone knew it. They soon started a life together and had 8 wonderful children.. Mary Zapata, Robert Martinez, Ignacio Martinez, Enrique Martinez, Lydia Cullen, Gilbert Martinez, Margie Derwin, and Raul Martinez. He told me once they are the ones who gave him all of his white hairs. They also went on to give him 27 grandkids who then gave him 37 great grandkids. Ignacio was a devoted husband, and a hardworking and caring dad.

Loved ones who cleared the way are Paula Garcia- wife, Ignacio Martinez Jr.-son, Domingo Martinez-Brother, Miguel Martinez-Brother, Ysidro Martinez -Father, and Santiaga Martinez-Mother.

This is where his journey ends. On May 9, 2017 he was reunited with the love of his life.