Antonio Larkin Martinez

Antonio "Larkin" Martinez, 87, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his family the evening of October 7, 2024 the day before his wedding anniversary. He went fast that day as he wasn't about to miss another anniversary with his sweet heart. We have no doubt he'll be there on time as per usual; roses in hand.
Larkin was born June 11, 1937 in Park View, New Mexico. He is the son of Luis and Theodora Martinez. He was the 4th of 16 children; 7 brothers and 8 sisters. He attended Ben Lomond High School and Steven's Henager's GI Bill.
On October 8, 1960 he was married to the love of his life, Carmen Barba at St. Mary's Catholic Church by Father Herlich. Together they became the loving parents of three daughters and two sons. Mom and dad took care of and loved one another in sickness and in health. When Carmen's health took a turn for the worst Larkin took care of her every need. "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother" (Theodore Hesburgh). His unwavering love for our mother was heroic and a sight to witness.
Dad was a proud husband and father. His family was his life and he selflessly gave all he had to provide and take care of those he loved. Larkin had a soft spot in his heart for his grandchildren and loved playing with them as babies and watching them as they played sports or performed in various fashions on stage. His children and grandchildren alike were the light of his world.
Larkin was an active member at St. Mary's Parish and served as a Eucharistic Minister along side of his wife. He was a great disciple of Jesus and his faith was unshakable. After retirement on a daily basis dad would go to church, pray the rosary, and say grace before each meal no matter the setting or location. You would often visit the house and find dad at his kitchen table exploring the gospel.
Larkin worked and retired from the sheet metal department at HAFB where he was a supervisor. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Korea. His military duties were a combat engineer, foreman construction, and sharp shooter. He later went on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2018 to commemorate his service.
Larkin was an avid golfer and he had 4 hole-in-ones that we could for sure recall. One of his best golf buddies described him as "hard to beat". For many years his home course was Ben Lomond followed by Remuda upon Ben Lomond's closure. Dad loved to fish with brothers, sons, and grandsons. Golf and fishing alike fit his sometimes quiet nature. In his earlier years dad was a hell of a baseball player and a dead eye deer hunter.
His memory will be carried on by his children – Anthony (Evelyn) Martinez of Layton, Debra Martinez of New York City, Diane (David) Bird of Kaysville, Julie (Todd) Schenck of Eden, and Matthew (Jami) Martinez of West Haven; his 19 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren; his siblings Mary Vigil, Louie, Ray (Arlene), Stella Medina, Rosie (Jim) Myrick, Mike, Julian (Shauna), Christy (George) Romero, Teresa, Frank, Mario (DeeDee), and Madie Duncan.
Larkin was preceded in death by his loving wife Carmen, parents Luis and Theodora, brother Arcenio, sisters Beatrice and Ernestina, along with numerous golf buddies (next up on hole number 1).
Dad you gave each of us kids unconditional love. You were a good, honest human being and an example of hard work and perseverance to us all. We never had to look far for someone to model our lives after. We love you dad! Until we meet again
The family wishes to extend thanks to Symbii Home Health and Hospice. A special thanks to Dani and Tim for their love and gentle kindness to our dad.
Funeral Mass will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church, 4050 S. 3900 W. West Haven, UT on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11:00 in the morning. A viewing will be held at Leavitt's Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden, UT on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 6-8:00 in the evening with the rosary beginning at 7:30.
Interment at the Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com