Jose T. Martinez

Jose' "Joe" Martinez III, 81 (November 1, 1941-September 9, 2023) passed away at his Washington, MO home on September 9, 2023.

Joe was born in Weston, Colorado to Jose' T. Martinez Il and Frances Geraldine Hildago. Joe graduated from Primero High School in Colorado and served in the United States Army from 1964-1966.

Joe attended Trinidad State College and Colorado State University and spent his career as an Engineer with Western Electric/AT&T/Lucent Technologies until his retirement in 1996.

Joe was married to Carolyn Tafoya on November 17, 1969, and together they raised two sons; Brian Martinez (Debbie) and Dale Martinez (Jennifer). He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother Arnold. Joe is survived by his wife, two sons, three grandsons: Andrew, Cole, and Mason, and siblings Helen Stinauer, William Martinez (Lillian), and Carol Horner (Randy).

Never one to sit still, Joe followed up his retirement as a consultant with Lucent and after 3 years he officially left the corporate world behind and started his handyman business; "Joe of All Trades", which he ran successfully for 10 years. Joe was a member of the American Legion, the Elks, and the Knights of Columbus and was also a member of St. Francis Borgia Parish in Washington Mo.

Joe was most proud of his grandsons and would never hesitate to drop everything to provide his help, support, and guidance. He never knew a stranger and was blessed with many friends with whom he loved to spend time be it traveling, attending Cardinals games, or simply sharing his latest jokes. In his spare time, he loved to tinker with all kinds of projects, strum his guitar, and he was always there to help his sons and grandsons with anything they needed.

Over the course of his life, Joe had a positive impact on many individuals and will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known him.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Borgia Church.

 A mass and funeral will occur at a later date at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Trinidad Catholic Cemetery in Trinidad, Colorado, which is where he had chosen as his final resting place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elks Club Benevolent Fund and St. Francis Borgia Food Pantry.

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