Manuel Reza Martinez

Manuel Reza Martinez, 99, of Carlsbad, New Mexico passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Manuel was born on August 20, 1922, in Bueno Vista, Mexico to Jose Roque Martinez and Celsa Reza Martinez.

There will be no visitation, and a graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at the Santa Catarina Cemetery in Carlsbad, NM with Wayne Stensrud officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of making arrangements.

Manuel grew up fast as a kid. He learned to have a good work ethic, and to take pride and joy in what he did. As a young man, he learned to fish and trap, bringing in food to feed his family and money to support them. He learned the skills of farming, adding to his ability to provide. Manuel was known for his wisdom, and through that wisdom he would always know the right thing to say. Whether through a parable, a saying or a song, he would give his children comfort and advice. Manuel was a man of God, and left a legacy for his family to follow. He was a man of laughter and jokes, and gave joy to those around him. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Manuel was preceded in death by his father, Jose Roque Martinez; mother, Celsa Reza Martinez; significant other, Josephina H. Velarde; three sons: Steven Martinez, Mando Martinez, and Fernando Martinez; great-grandson, Joe Anthony Martinez; and five brothers.

Manuel is survived by his five daughters: Belen Lujan and husband, Cecilio of Las Cruces, NM; Alicia Stensrud and husband, Wayne of Carlsbad, NM; Carina Fenetes of Carlsbad, NM; Fevita H. Martinez of Carlsbad, NM; and Belinda K. Colorado of Carlsbad, NM; twenty-two grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; twenty-five grandchildren; sister, Rosita Martinez Reza of Lubbock, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com