Thomas "Tom" Martinez

Thomas D. "Tommy" Martinez, driven business man, inspiring friend, passionate philanthropist, loving father and husband was lifted into God's arms on September 13, 2010. He was born September 22, 1944 to Nasario and Guadalupe D. Martinez in Carlsbad. He graduated from Carlsbad Senior High in 1963. He is survived by his wife Christina "Kris" Martinez of Carlsbad, NM; children Thomas Corvette Martinez, "T.C." of Carlsbad; Crystal and John Spelic of Rockwall, TX; Joey Catano of Phoenix, AZ; Yvonne Catano Allensworth of Denver, CO and Eric and Jamie Munoz of Houston, TX; 10 grandchildren and adopted nephew of the family, Wero Martinez. He is also survived by his brothers Porfirio "Pilo" and wife, Emma of Carlsbad; Guadalupe "Pache" and wife Nati of Carlsbad; Patricio Martinez of Amarillo, TX; Epifanio Martinez of Carlsbad; and sister Ramona Yturralde of Carlsbad, NM. He is preceded in death by parents, Nasario and Guadalupe Martinez; brother Nasario D. Martinez, Jr. and niece Milagro Mia Martinez. He was the owner and promoter of Carlsbad Speedway, Tom's Texaco, Pecos Valley Mortgage and Martinez and Martinez Plastering, with beloved brother Pilo. He was a man of many interests including that of a biker, racer, and corvette enthusiast. He was a coach, mentor, volunteer and the first-ever member of the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad in 1961, who joyfully served the club with over 25 years of service, and his community with Christmas on the Pecos Tours for friends and family. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Thursday, September 16, 2010 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at San Jose Catholic Church, 1002 DeBaca. A Gathering of Friends will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Friday, September 17, 2010 at The Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Centre, 4012 National Parks Highway. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Friday, September 17, 2010 at San Jose Catholic Church with Father Valentine Jankowski, OFM, Conv. officiating. Interment will follow in Santa Catarina Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Pallbearers will be Perla Martinez, Bobby Escobedo, Rollie Rubio, John Yturralde, Ricco Martinez, Delfin Mata and Calasso Lopez. Honorary pallbearers will be The Boys and Girls Club Kids. Those that knew Tom, knows that he would want memorials to the Boys & Girls Club, 1602 West Fox Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.