Joe Martinez

Joe C. Martinez, age 73, of Bloomfield, NM, went to be with his lord and savior on Tuesday August 20, 2024.

Joe was born on Wednesday October 25, 1950, to Carlotta and Juan Martinez in Coyote, NM. He was raised in Aztec, NM where he graduated high school and when he turned 18, he enlisted in the US Army. In January 1969, Joe married the love of his life Lila McDonald from Bloomfield, NM and they began creating a life they loved together. After being Honorably discharged from the army, Joe went to work for a manufacturing plant where he worked for several years and eventually worked his way up to plant foreman. He was also a master of many skills that he acquired throughout his life with the help of his brother Abel, who was always teaching him something new. Joe was a very skilled carpenter, mechanic, pipefitter, plumber and much more. After retirement, he would spend his time just tinkering around his and Lila's home in Bloomfield to keep himself busy. He began the undertaking of a complete remodel of the house and had dreams of finishing it someday. He always found something that he would want to change in the renovations, prolonging the process. Joe also loved to just relax and listen to classic rock while tinkering with small things to help make his larger projects easier. He enjoyed spending time outdoors relaxing, whether it was at home or spending time exploring the hills of Northern New Mexico. Joe was very active up until the very end. He was always visiting with his family, friends, or even random people he would see walking under the bridge next to his home in Bloomfield. He never met a stranger. Joe was always most happy when he was spending time with his family and loved it when his grandkids would come visit.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Abel, Rudy, and Leroy Martinez; and his grandson Jared Clark.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife Lila Martinez; children Josh Martinez and wife Nichole, Patty Rutledge and husband Clint, Janis Brewton, Veronica Birchmeier, JoJo Lopez and wife Anjelica, and Viola Lopez; sisters Irene, Connie, Sally, and Juanita. He is also survived by his grandchildren Randal, Chase, and Jessica Rutledge, Jamie Retherford, Jimmy Brewton, and Oliver Martinez; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A viewing will take place on Tuesday at 9 AM at Farmington Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 10 AM. A graveside at Aztec Cemetery will take place following the service.