Jesse Mateo Martinez

Jesse Martinez, 89, born in Hatch, NM on September 21, 1936, passed away in his home on December 13, 2025. He was lovingly surrounded by family and friends as he passed. Jesse is survived by his wife of 69 years Mary Lee Martinez, his daughters, Trish Hoover (Gary Hoover) and Cora Chavez, his grandchildren, Jessica Wilson, Christine Rodriguez (Eddie Rodriguez), Laura McDonald (Fletcher McDonald), Taylor Hoover, Catherine Hoover and great grandkids: Landon, Eliana, Emelia, Olivia, Sylvie, and Kevin. He was proceeded in death by his son, Daniel Martinez, grandson, Lawrence D. Chavez, son-in-law Lawrence V. Chavez, and son Karl Martinez.

Jesse, a lifelong resident of Las Cruces, worked at White Sands Missile Range for 27 years, where he worked as an Engineer Technician in the Warheads Division. Jesse was also a talented musician; he played the saxophone and piano. He loved all types of music with smooth jazz and John Philip Sousa’s marches being amongst his favorites. He inspired his kids to develop their own musical talents through his love of music and was very involved in their music endeavors throughout their formative years. Jesse was also very involved in the Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister, lector and along with his wife prepared young couples for marriage through the Catholic Churches Marriage Preparation Program. Jesse was a kind, generous and gentle man that was loved by all, he was often touted as the dad everyone wished they had. He will be greatly missed by his entire family.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 at Getz Funeral Home on January 8, 2026, followed by a rosary from 7:00 – 8:00. On January 9, 2026, there will be a celebration of life mass held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. with the burial immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery. A reception will follow from 3:00 – 5:00 at the VFW located at 2001 Mesquite St. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations are made in Jesse’s memory to either the American Lung Association or a charity of your choice.