Joe Martinez

Joe “Joe Mamma” Martinez, 82, on August 25, 2021, he went to be with our Lord peacefully with several family members by his side. He was born on February 18, 1939 in Wiley, Colorado to Martin and Conception (Ariza) Martinez, and spent his childhood in Swink and La Junta.

On September 10, Joe married the love of his life, Mary (Florez) Martinez, making their home in La Junta for their 60 years of marriage, with their two children, Ruby and Michael. He was a loving and devoted spouse and father. Joe was a man who loved his family and friends.

Joe served in the US Army Reserves and National Guard for 9 years while working at the Turkey Plant and Coop in Cheraw. Joe retired from Farmland Industries and Land of Lakes Coop in Dodge City, Kansas in 1997. During his retirement, Joe was a member of the La Junta Catholic Church, and the Local Knights of Columbus, where he volunteered to help with Weekly Bingo nights and local community services.

He is survived by his children Ruby (Kevin) Haddock and Mike (Katherine) Martinez; four grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica) Haddock, Gonzalo (Diana) Diaz, Daemary Diaz, and Mia Martinez; great-grandchildren, Riordan, Barrett “Bear”, Beckett, baby Juliana Rose, Leo, Luchie, and Alek. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary, brother, Martin Jr., sisters, Jennie, Carmen, Kathy, and Frances.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Victor Raj officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the Rocky Ford Rifle Team, American Legion Post #8. Visitation will be Friday, September 3, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Evergreen Gardens Assisted Living community, as well the families of Vickey Florez, Gloria Rocha, and Stella Florez. Your love and support are greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank Henry and Pat Valdez for being dear supporting friends and also Arkansas Valley Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.