Joe Eddie Martinez

Joe Eddie Martinez, age 76, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2012 at his residence with his family at his side. Joe Eddie was born on February 25, 1936 in Santa Rosa, NM to the home of Joe P. and Frances (Marquez) Martinez. He was reared and attended schools in Santa Rosa. Shortly after graduation Joe Eddie enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for 4 years. He received the Certificate of Achievement and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1956 while still in the Air Force he married Elizabeth Anaya. After leaving the Air Force he returned to Santa Rosa and became a State Certified Emergency Medical Technician and Ambulance Driver. He was the first Deputy Medical Investigator in Guadalupe County. In 1963 he became Municipal Judge and held that post until 1969 when he was offered the job as Chief of Police for the City of Santa Rosa. He held that position until 1981. In 1982 he became the Guadalupe County Sheriff and held that position for three years and then took the task of becoming the Civil Emergency Coordinator for the County. With a few years left to retire he accepted a job in Las Vegas, NM as Chief of Security/Investigator/Drug Abuse Coordinator at the State Medical Center. In 1993 he was appointed as Municipal Judge by the Late Judge Joe V. Romero and held that position until his death. Joe Eddie and his wife Belle were faithful members of St. Rose of Lima Church. He was a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5146 where he held several local and Statewide offices. He was also a member of the Fourth Degree. He served as a member of the Santa Rosa Consolidated School Board, He also served on the board of LVTI as Vice President, he directed the Police Athletic League for several years and directed the Santa Rosa American Red Cross for 15 years. He also helped with Security at the State Legislature. Joe Eddie loved the outdoors especially hunting, he enjoyed swimming, diving off the diving board at Park lake, he loved to do rock work, listening to Spanish music, watching his grandkids participate in all sports activities but most of all Joe Eddie loved spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and will truly be missed by all. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his granddaughter, Sarah Calderon. Survivors include his wife Elizabeth Martinez of the family home, his children, Frances Calderon and husband Dean of Round Rock, TX, Joe J. Martinez and wife Francis of Albuquerque, Paul Martinez and Fiancé Noelle of Albuquerque, Martin Martinez and girlfriend Elodia of Amarillo, TX, Joe Eddie Martinez II and wife Hope of Santa Rosa, Leslie Bradley and husband Danny of Santa Rosa and a granddaughter he helped raise Tanisha Trujillo of Albuquerque, grandchildren, Bernadette Maestas, Francesca Martinez, Jeffery Martinez, Kimberly Martinez, Katelin Martinez, Saundra Calderon, Sophia Calderon, Michael Martinez, Steven Griego, Nicholas Roybal, Derek Martinez, Gabrielle Martinez, Mariah Martinez, Jason Martinez, Joe Eddie Martinez III, Also surviving are his brothers and sisters; June Romero and husband Lee of Albuqueruqe, Gloria Cordova and husband Tito of Albuquerque, Larry Martinez of Lordsburg, Pete Martinez of Albuquerque, and Elizabeth Montana of Albuquerque along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Monday, March 12, at 7:00 PM from St. Rose of Lima Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 13, at 10:00 AM also from St. Rose of Lima Church with Father Joseph Thomas, CMI officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be, Arnold Gallegos, Johnny Martinez, Marcos Salas, Jude Gallegos, James Cordova and Albert Campos, Jr. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be, Michael Romero, Benito Via, Albert Campos, Sr, and Michael Maestas. All services for Mr. Martinez have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. To place an online condolence please visit our website at www.chavezfunralhome.com