Jerry Martinez

Jerry Lee Martinez was born October 14, 1953 in Rocky Ford, CO to Joe and Alice Martinez. Jerry passed away on June 16, 2024 from complications of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with his sister Deb and cousin Melissa by his side.

Jerry attended and graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1972. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon completion of basic training in Texas he returned to Colorado and was stationed at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, where he worked at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex (NORAD). After a year in Colorado Springs he transferred to Zaragoza, Spain and was stationed at Torrejón Air Force Base. He received his official discharge in Spain, but continued employment with the USAF as a private contractor. He remained in Spain for several years with his family. He left Spain to work in Cairo, Egypt as a private contractor for two years. Jerry returned to Colorado and was employed with the Colorado Department of Corrections in Canon City. He retired as a Lieutenant in 2012.

Jerry loved life and lived it to the fullest. After retirement he moved to Nathrop, CO where he absolutely loved to fish, was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles. Unfortunately, Jerry could no longer live in Nathrop and moved to Canon City to be near his sister.

Jerry is survived by his beloved daughter, Andrea and grandson, Manuel , both of Zaragoza, Spain; sister, Debra (Richard) Gobin; nephews, Greg (Brittany) Gobin, Adam Martinez, and Kendal (Maria) Martinez; nieces, Tracy Teglo, Tana Lopez and Kimberly Valenciano; uncle, Felix (Evelyn) Martinez; aunts, Anna Mayo and Pauline McBeth; step-nephew, Jason (Tamra) Gobin; as well as several great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Alice; brothers, Louis and Ronald; sister-in-law, Cindy; and sister, Linda.

A special thank you to the staff of Bruce McCandless Veterans Living Center for their kindness, care and love for my brother, Jerry. He loved walking the halls endlessly and caring for his flowers in the courtyard; also, special friends Dawn and Crystal, who spent quality time with Jerry, I know he loved you both; and to Fremont Regional Hospice for making his transitional journey more comfortable. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

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