Tony Martinez Jr.

Tony Martinez Jr., 62, of Ault, died on Jan. 11, 2023, in Greeley. Tony was born to Dolores Lucero and Tony Martinez on Jan. 8, 1961 in Denver. His parents later divorced, and his mother remarried Delmo "Felix" Lucero, who raised him like a son since age 2.
Tony attended elementary through high school in Ault. He was often found playing basketball with friends and family behind the police department in Ault. He and his brothers put together a band with Tony playing the drums using a trash can and a stick and guitar while signing a homemade-up song, "Jingle, Jingle, Jingle." The brothers all went together to the talent shows in town every year and always dressed as Hobo's for Halloween because that is all they could afford. One of the best memories his younger brothers recalled was when Tony would pile up boxes and make his younger brothers sit on the Hot Wheel bike so they could run into the pile for fun. As oldest of the children, there are many fond memories of him standing in the kitchen making refried beans with red chili feeding everyone when their parents were out. In his teenage years, he was known for looking snazzy and dressing up. He could always be found cleaning his shoes until they looked brand new. Tony started boxing at 15 years old along with his brothers and close friends. He would often tell others not to mess with "Tony Tornado Martinez." Tony was also known as Tony Phony Baloney, Stoney, Chonies, and Tony the One and Only, to his many friends and family. Tony's brothers recalled he an amazing, hard basketball shot called the Martinez Floater, which was a hard shot for his brothers to block. At age 17, he had his first child, Nicole. When he turned, 25, T.J. was born. At 27-years-old, Jeremiah came into this world, and he was blessed with Dallas at the age of 35.
Tony enjoyed many hobbies throughout his lifetime but was known for his artistic skills and love of the outdoors. As a kid growing up in Ault, he enjoyed boxing, fishing, working on his 65 Chevy, playing pool and time spent with his family in Ault. Tony was drawn to working with his hands in the construction industry and his career at NAPA Auto Parts in Eaton. He had a quiet life, enjoying the simple things like classic rock music and his dog, Milo, and taking wonderful care of his mother. Tony will be remembered playing short stop or in center field position playing softball, riding countless miles on his bike up the Poudre Canyon and to Estes Park. He was an avid collector of many things, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, and his big heart, kind soul and the protector of others.
Survivors are four children, Nicole Benavidez, Tony (Amber) Martinez, Jeremiah Martinez, and Dallas Martinez; four grandchildren, Domonick, Estevan, Nicholas, Derek; two great-grandchildren, D'Angelo, Auryah; four siblings, Ken (Debbie) Martinez of Greeley, Michelle (Jerry) Cordova of Oregon, Darren (Isa) Lucero of Texas, Paul (Roxye) Arellano of Greeley, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tony is preceded in death by his mother, Dolores; father, Felix Lucero; brother, Dion Martinez; aunt, Ruthie Rodriguez; uncle, Rudy Lozano, and other family members.
Condolence may be made at www.lighthousefamilyLFM.com so the family can create a final chapter book of Tony's life.