1938-2025
Born as Thomas Raymond Martinez to Thomas and Mary Martinez Feb. 17, 1938. Tommy was raised in Pagosa; he had many friends and family that he loved hanging out with. Tommy loved his music. He started playing his guitar at the young age of 14. He played the saxophone for six years with Lawrence Duran, Alex Duran and Freddy Archuleta. They were called the Ladters. Then he played with the Regals for 15 years. After the band broke up due to death of the lead player, he started the Ladters again with Alex Duran and Freddy Archuleta. Then he played three years with Jose Luis Villescas.
In 2013, Tommy fell to kidney failure; it was hard on him to keep up with plowing the snow or doing yard work. He also had a hard time carrying his instruments. He quit playing and he and Mary moved to Aztec, N.M. Tommy was really glad they did. He felt a lot better and did not need to use oxygen any more.
Tommy worked for the Forest Service for 32 years. He worked in recreation in charge of the campgrounds and maintenance.
Surviving is his wife, Mary; sister Tessie McCarty, Denver, Colo., Loretta (Fred) Campuzano, Cortez, Colo., Janice and Janette, Pagosa Springs; brother Gilbert (Frances), Pagosa Springs; children Michael (Dee) Martinez, Oregon, Russell (Ena), Ignacio, Colo., T.J. (Crystal), Pagosa Springs; sister-in-law Sophie Winnett, Farmington, N.M.; daughter-in-law Vindred Martinez Qualls, Durango, Colo.; close friends Sesto Lucero, Nevada, Jake Trujillo, Colorado Springs, Colo.; friend and mother of his children, Josie Brinks; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; step children Christine (Louis) Rivas, Pagosa Springs, Tracy Salazar, Pagosa Springs, Denise (Arlan) Jordan, Colorado Springs, Colo., Pam Smedak, Grand Junction, Colo., Rovanna (Jessie) Moore, Colorado Springs, Colo., Belinda Rushing, Aztec, N.M.; 16 step-grandchildren; and 15 step-great-grandchildren.
Preceding Tommy in death were his parents; his wife, Juanita; brother Lenord; son Dino; daughter Nicole; grandson Christopher; and nephews Willie and Mathison.
Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, followed by burial at Hilltop Cemetery. Lunch will be served afterward at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church.
