Raymond G. Martinez
Raymond G. Martinez, 72, of Albuquerque, NM, went to be with Lord and Savior on Monday, January 22, 2018.
Raymond was born on April 11, 1945, to Luis and Lydia Martinez of El Prado (Taos), NM. Raymond was married to his beautiful wife, Carmen, for 42 years, when she passed away six years ago.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carmen; son Brian; mother Lydia; brother-in-law Joe Martinez; sisters-in-law Mary and Emma Garcia and Antonia Martinez.
He is survived by his daughter, Vicki Martinez (Brit Bower); grandson Dylan Bower; father, Luis C. Martinez Sr.; sisters Dolores Trujillo and Francina Martinez; brother Luis, Jr. (Donna), Francis "Pancho" (Judy) Martinez, and Bill Vigil; sisters-in-law Irene Garcia (Manuel) and Angie Martinez; brother-in-law Adam Martinez (Donna); and numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives, and good friends.
As a child Raymond enjoyed playing sports with his brothers and the neighborhood gang in El Prado, NM. He went on to play football for Taos High School. After graduating from Questa High school in 1963, he served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy and served aboard several US Naval ships. His last assignment was with an air anti-submarine squadron. Raymond was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star.
Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy (1969), Raymond took up residence in Los Angeles where he met his wife. He worked for McDonald Douglas, and later with American Airlines, eventually transferring with American Airlines to Albuquerque and retiring (2003) with 33 years of service. After his long career at American, he drove a school bus for Durham School Services for four years. Raymond and Carmen enjoyed travelling the world, going to many palces, inlcuding Belize, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico, and Hawaii. Raymond enjoyed working on his yard, garden, and home before settling into his chair to watch his daily dose of sports. He was a dedicated member of John XXIII Catholic Community, where he regularly attended Mass and Penance Services.
Raymond will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration for a life well lived will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM. A rosary will be recited at 10:15 a. m., followed by a memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place following the Mass at El Carmen Cemetery in Mora, NM.