Joe D. Martinez

J oe D. Martinez, 91, of Fort Lupton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on December 20, 1933, in Platteville, Colorado, to Jose and Maura (Salinas) Martinez. He was one of eleven children.

On December 16, 1951, just days before his 18th birthday, Joe married the love of his life and best friend, Nieves (Marfil). Their marriage was filled with love and devotion until Nieves' passing, just months before their 60th anniversary. Together, they raised five children: Joey, Roseanne, Tommy, Kelly, and Allen.

Joe's work ethic was unmatched. At the age of 12, after his father fell ill, he began working in the fields to help support his family. He later became a foreman at Broderick's Wood while also working for Weld RE-8 School District. In 1969, he started two youth baseball teams sponsored by the GI Forum. Taking it upon himself to build a baseball field, he coached the team that would go on to win the championship.

In 1985, after the loss of his daughter Kelly, Joe founded the Kelly Martinez Cancer Fund, which has donated thousands of dollars to the Fort Lupton community and continues to this day. With Nieves, he also opened El Pavo, Inc., a video and Mexican import store. He finished his career working many years for Purifoy Chevrolet, retiring in 2014.

Joe's dedication to the community extended into public service. In the early 1970s, during challenging times, he began his commitment to city politics, serving on city council and the school board before becoming the first Hispanic mayor of Fort Lupton. As mayor, he championed many initiatives, including building Railroad Park to ensure children on that side of town had a place to play. Through his own resources and determination, he also succeeded in bringing the Department of Motor Vehicles to Fort Lupton.

Joe was a man of generosity, humor, and determination. A close friend once said, "To know him is to love him." He lived by the saying: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. He led by example, often giving friends and family funny nicknames that brought joy and laughter to those around him.

He is survived by his three sons, Joey, Tommy, and Allen (Amanda), 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, his brother Henry (Rosalie), and his sister Gloria. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nieves; daughters, Roseanne and Kelly; grandson, Devan; and great-granddaughter, Miracle.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelly Martinez Cancer Fund. Checks made out to Kelly Martinez Cancer Fund PO Box 421 Fort Lupton, CO 80621