ROBERT MARTINEZ Jr.

ROBERT MARTINEZ JR. 12/25/1930 - 04/23/2025 In Loving Memory Robert Martinez Jr. passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born on December 25, 1930, in Del Norte, CO to Robert and Mary (Lettig) Martinez. He lived in Alamosa, CO where he met the love of his life, Annabell Lucero. They were married on February 23, 1949, in Taos, NM and they were inseparable for the next 66 years. They lived in Alamosa where they welcomed five of their eight children. In 1957, the family relocated to Salt Lake City, where they completed their family with three more children. As a young man, Dad proudly joined the Army and went on to serve two separate tours during the Korean War. His sense of duty stayed with him throughout his life, eventually leading him to become an active member of the VFW. One of his greatest honors was serving in the honor guard at the funerals of fellow veterans--a role he carried out with deep respect and pride. Dad dedicated the majority of his career to the Tooele Army Depot, where he worked as an Ammunition Expert until his retirement in 1989. He was also a proud, lifelong member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), where he had the honor of serving as Exalted Ruler. Dad, Mom, and the entire family cherished summers at their cabin in Bear Lake. Every Friday during the summer, Dad would arrive home from work at 5:00 PM sharp, and by 5:30, the car was packed and the family was on the road. Weekends were filled with boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping--some of Dad's favorite pastimes. Bear Lake was his happy place, where he found the greatest joy simply being surrounded by family and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Known for his playful spirit and mischievous streak, Dad was a lifelong prankster who loved keeping everyone on their toes. Whether it was playing tricks on the grandkids or finding new ways to give someone a harmless scare, he took delight in making people laugh. Robert is lovingly remembered by his six children: Barbara (Terry) Gardner, Elaine Doerr, Pauline (Dave) Wheatley, Gary Martinez, Tony (DeeAnn) Martinez, and Judy (Talley) Garcia. His legacy continues through 25 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annabell; his children, Bobby and Anita; his son-in-law, Wade (Rudy) Doerr; and great-grandsons Michael, Henry, Brayden, and Cody. The family extends our deepest thanks to the staff at Intermountain Hospice, with special appreciation for his nurse, Eric, whose compassion and dedication brought great comfort to Dad and to all of us. Your kindness and care during his final days meant more than words can express. Funeral services will take place at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, with a viewing one-hour prior, at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 1995 Industrial Park Road in Richfield. A Rosary, followed by a viewing, will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Magleby Mortuary, located at 50 S. 100 W. in Richfield. Interment will follow at Monroe City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com