Steven Martinez, Sr.

At 88, Steven Martinez went home to his Creator on Sunday, September 27, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves a family shaped by his love, his steady guidance, and his belief that there was always more to learn and more of the world to see.

Born in Montrose, Colorado, to Joe Teofilo Martinez and Grace Gallegos, Steven was the third eldest of ten children. His family moved to Price, Utah, when he was 13. There, at 16, he met 15-year-old Lena Escandon and told a friend, “I’m going to marry that girl.” He kept his word. Steven and Lena married two years later on May 26, 1956, and shared 70 years together.

They raised four children: Steven Martinez Jr.; Michael Andrew Martinez (Olga); Sandy Martinez Bangerter (Kurt); and Ted Martinez. Their family grew to include 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; several brothers and sisters; and two grandchildren.

Steven served in the United States Air Force in South Carolina during the 1950s, training as a rear gunner and studying electronics. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Salt Lake City in 1959 and began a career as an electronics technician with Sperry Rand, later Unisys, that lasted more than 30 years. He earned a bachelor’s equivalency degree in electronics engineering, an achievement that meant a great deal to him. He encouraged his children to take their education seriously and to do their best in school.

In 1969, Steven took his family on a six-year adventure to West Germany, where his work supported the West German Army’s development of weapons systems during the Cold War. He loved their years in Europe. On long weekends, he and Lena took the children through Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Greece, Italy, and beyond. Spain was his favorite. Drawn to history and architecture, Steven led the family through hundreds of castles, eager to discover the stories of the people who had lived there.

He enjoyed hunting and playing the guitar, but one of his greatest pleasures was taking Lena dancing on Friday nights. Through every chapter of his life, Steven made time for the people he loved. He offered his family—and anyone else who needed it—care, encouragement, and a helping hand. He will be deeply missed.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute, Valeo and Applegate Home Health & Hospice for the compassionate care they provided during this difficult time. A special thank you to Dean Anderson, the VA Nutritionist, for his exceptional care.

The family offers special gratitude to his grandsons, and brothers, Christian and Cameron Walker, who lovingly devoted themselves to caring for their grandfather and grandmother around the clock throughout their grandfather’s illness. Their gentle care and compassion reflected the very qualities their grandfather embodied. The family will always be deeply grateful for the love, comfort, and companionship Christian and Cameron so freely gave.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home in West Valley City, Utah.

A Mass honoring Steven’s life will be celebrated on Friday, October 9, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in West Jordan, Utah. Interment will follow at Valley View Memorial Park.