Adan "Don" Martinez

Adan was born to Miguel and Maria Martinez on June 30, 1941, in Fort Davis, Texas., and was the youngest of 11 brothers and sisters. Adan's father passed away when he was 9, so he had to delay his schooling to help support his family. At a young age he was out picking cotton for local farmers. Family friends even recall him driving a tractor atop of pillows so he could reach the pedals. When Adan was 16, he met the love of his life, Rita Mireles; three years later he was in heaven when she agreed to marry him. Adan and Rita had three children, each time thanking our heavenly father. Adan moved his family to San Manuel, Arizona where he worked at an open-pit mine for 5 years. In 1970 Adan moved his family back to Carlsbad when he gained employment with International Minerals Corporation (IMC) potash mine. Adan retired after 30 years. To stay busy, Adan drove a school bus for Ballard Bus Company, and worked part-time at Pompa Street car wash, jobs he really enjoyed. Adan had the patience of Job, and the heart to match, always there to lend a helping hand, putting others needs over his own. Adan was a quiet man, but his actions spoke volumes. Adan enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking-out, riding motorcycles, racing cars, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Adan loved his horse, Brownie and adored his two chihuahuas, Chico and Gussy. On Saturday morning, August 17, 2013, Adan Duran Martinez, Sr., went to meet his heavenly father. He was loved and adored by his family, and will be truly missed. He is survived by his wife, Rita Martinez of Carlsbad; daughter, Grace and husband, Porf Martinez of Carlsbad; sons: Donny Martinez and John Martinez of Carlsbad; grandchildren: Steve Montanez and wife, Christine of Las Cruces, NM, Scott and wife, Larissa Sing of Carlsbad, Joshua Martinez, Megan Martinez, and Monique Martinez, all of Carlsbad; great-grandchildren: Henry David Montanez and Boston Sing; sisters: Jovita "Susie" Jimenez, Christine Riggs, and Mary Lou Perez all of Carlsbad. He was preceded in death by his father, Miguel Martinez; mother, Maria Duran Martinez; brothers: Antonio "Tony" Martinez, Simon Martinez, John Martinez and Mike Martinez; sisters: Lola Hernandez, Evangelina Razo and Genevieve Jimenez. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Vigil will be held at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at San Jose Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at San Jose Catholic Church with Father Valentine Jankowski, OFM, Conv. officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.