C. Arthur Martinez

C. Arthur Martinez (Art), 89 years of age, passed away peacefully at his home in Los Lunas, New Mexico on December 31, 2022.  He was born in Wagon Mound, NM where he received his disciplined work ethic while working on the family farm. After the family moved to Fowler, CO and he entered high school, he was encouraged to play basketball and discovered his talent and great love for sports. His short stature gave him the speed and accuracy to hit the net often. His adventurous spirit led him to college where he received a degree in Education. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted and proudly served in the United States Army in Alaska during the Korean conflict.  Upon discharge from the Army, he pursued a lifelong commitment to education. His students still call him Mr. Martinez and proclaim him one of the best and most demanding teachers that they ever had. He taught high school, served as coach, counselor, principal and superintendent. As a coach and counselor, he was known to be a man of great encouragement and a mentor to his students. When he started his teaching career in Vaughn a young woman saw him crossing the parking lot on the first day of school and she told her friend that she was going to marry him. One year later he married Anna Marie whom he loved dearly and remained married to for 61 years. They had three children and in 1969 he packed up his family and with a Ford Foundation grant, studied minorities in education in San Antonio, Tx; Washington DC and San Francisco CA before returning to Belen, NM. He never failed to give his children new experiences which challenged them to understand their dignity and service they could give to others. He was generous in his praise and always showed his care for them. Art could make friends with anyone and was known as someone they could call on for help. His commitment to his family, his students, friends, neighbors and everyone who he met was shown in his generosity and service. It was his way of showing his love of God in whose grace and mercy he trusted and believed.

He is survived by his wife Anna Marie, three children: Rev. Fr. Tim Martinez, Antoinette Rodriguez (John), COL Monica Martinez, USAR; Grandchildren: Trae, Jacob and Jonna Rodriguez, Douglas Gonzales (Irene), Kelsea Martinez and Great Grandchildren: Tarynn and Jett Gonzales.

There will be a Rosary held on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception Parish, 7 Church Loop, Tome, NM.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 1107 Cristo Rey St., Santa Fe, NM.

Burial will take place following the funeral services at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe, NM.

Reception to follow burial service at Cristo Rey Catholic Church Gymnasium, 1107 Cristo Rey St., Santa Fe, NM.