Obituary of Fernie Fernando Manuel Martinez

Fernie Fernando Manuel Martinez, a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, husband, dad, Tata, brother, and uncle passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023 surrounded by his wife and children. He was born to Eduardo and Sadie Martinez on June 29, 1947. Fernie lived much of his life in Grants, New Mexico and in 1966 he married his high school sweetheart Edwina Martinez. He cherished these memories as well as his children, Michelle Martinez, Denise Griego (Pat), Elaine Larrañaga (JJ), Darlene Montaño (Elias), Fernie Martinez Jr. (Anita), sister Rose Lopez and in laws Barney Sedillo, Daniel Sedillo (Rose), Lucy Ann Stalee, and Becky Larkin (David). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Estevan Garza (Vanessa), Cecily Griego, Gilbert Griego (Brielle), Jared Griego, Jacob Larrañaga, Jocelyn Mendoza (Abinadab), Jayden Larrañaga, Kayla Montaño, Antonio Montaño, Marcos Montaño, Joshua Chavez, Ashlee Jojola, Amber Martinez, Arianna Martinez, Alicia Martinez, 6 great-grandchildren Iradesa Gonzales, Ronan Marquez, Xiomara Mendoza, Xamira Mendoza, Enzo Garza, Ezra Garza, numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and family Eddie and Sadie Martinez, Gillie and Barbara Sedillo, siblings and family Richard Martinez, Roger Martinez, Benji Martinez, Lucy and Rafael Gallegos, Martha and Henry Murrietta, Antonia Waffen, Max Lopez, Gilbert Sedillo, Zeke Sedillo, Tony James Bourquin, Brenda Murrieta, Michael Martinez Jr., Henry Mondragon Jr., Albert Griñe and Anthony Sedillo.

During his childhood, his father Eddie opened a pool hall on Main Street in Grants where Fernie ran the pool hall from the age of 10 until his marriage in 1966. At this time, Fernie surmounted the craft of billiards where he learned numerous trick shots and mastered the art of pool. While in his high school years, he became very active in sports and ripened into a skilled basketball player where he led the Pirates through many victories. In 1966, he was drafted into the army and served two years during the Vietnam era where he was engaged in combat while in Korea. Throughout his married life, Fernie was a brave provider by working as an Electrician in the uranium mines in Grants and moving on as the Housing Manager for the City of Albuquerque. Most of all, Fernie cherished spending his time with his family, riding horses, camping, fishing, and playing basketball and pool. He will be greatly missed by all.

Services will be as follows: Viewing will be held May 4, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 at Riverside Mortuary 225 San Mateo Blvd NE.  Memorial Service May 5, 2023 from 3:00-5:00 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 8904 Menaul Blvd NE.  Reception following at Bosque Farms Rodeo Hall 1040 Arena Rd. Bosque Farms.