Tomas Martinez

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Tomas Martinez, of Sunland Park, New Mexico, passed away March 3rd, 2018, at the age of 92. He was born in Villa Ahumada, Chihuahua, Mexico on August 15th 1925. Tomas is survived by his wife Maria Estrella Martinez Flores, his children Ricardo Tomas & Manuela Martinez, Rosa Maria & Rafael Lujan, Maria Guadalupe Sabas, Raquel Patricia & Roy Wood, Jose de Jesus & Rosalinda Martinez, David & Patricia Martinez, Estela Martinez, Dolores de Luna, Bertha Alicia & Jose Marquez, Irene Martinez & Daniel Roman, Irma & Ernesto Martinez, Ramon Martinez & Rachel Ceniceros, Vivian Martinez & Jorge Morales and Gina Martinez. Tomas was predeceased by his son in-law, Jose de Luna. When Tomas came to the United States he worked in cotton fields to provide for his family. One of his proudest achievements was becoming a United States of America Citizen. Education for his children was important, he put all twelve of them through school so they could have great careers. Tomas was a well-known tile setter who passed the trade down to his children. He built his own home in Sunland Park, NM where he raised his children and grandchildren. Tomas was an avid hunter who took his sons and grandsons hunting - passing the skills and tradition down to each generation. He always took his family traveling and camping. But more than this, through his skills, education, trades and tradition he showed his family strength, faith and love. He kept his children safe and lifted them when in need. He was everyone's protector in life and now their angel in death. Every child, grandchild and great grandchild has their own personal memories of Tomas, Gina wanted to share hers: My dad "apa" was my grandfather. For years I struggled with not knowing who my father was and I felt shame for wondering about a man who I never knew because my dad was always there from the minute I was born. He dressed me in red as a baby, he scolded anyone who tried making me do anything. I was spoiled by him which is a fact that I am not afraid to state. We'd sit at the dining table with our arms stretched out comparing our "lunares" realizing mine were in the exact spot as his. He'd make fun of my big forehead and I'd make fun of his because they were the same. He would say he had the biggest nicest legs out of everyone until I'd pull my pant leg up and he'd say "ah no pos si tu las tienes grandes bonitas como yo." He was a Leo, I was a Leo. He loved with all his heart and I love with all my heart. He brought family together and I try to remind my family that we are one and that the blood that runs through us is his and my grandmothers. "Orgullo" shouldn't be a negative word it should be the pride the "orgullo" in our last name Martinez. He is who I am, he is who I want to be, he is my father my apa. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home - West, 480 N. Resler Holy Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 10:30 am at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley in Santa Teresa, NM.