Charlie Frank Martinez

Charlie Frank Martinez, 94, of Antonito, CO, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Charlie was born in San Antonio, CO, on February 8, 1932, to Cleotilde (Duran) and Carlos Martinez. He had three brothers (Berlie, Benjamin, and Mercedez) and four sisters (Selfa, Carmen, Julia, and Connie). He attended Catholic school in San Antonio and later went on to work at the Eagle Mine in Gilman, CO. From there he worked in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and then returned to Gilman before setting down roots with the Colorado State Forest Service as a Forestry Technician. He worked there for many years until he was injured on the job and took an early retirement on September 15, 1976. Charlie married his childhood neighbor, Vera Atencio, on July 24, 1951. Together they welcomed three boys and five girls. In the years that followed, their family grew to include 18 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Charlie was a proud member of La Fraternidad Piadosa de Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno and was the last surviving member of Los Hermanos Penitentes de San Antonio. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, camping, and occasional trips to the casino. He often joked that a daily shot of tequila was his secret to good health, and he rarely missed a dose. Charlie is survived by his wife of 74 years, Vera Martinez; his children: Mitchell (Rebecca) Martinez of Romeo, CO, Marvin (Jackie) Martinez of San Antonio, CO, Peggy (Isidore) Martinez of Alamosa, CO, Marcie (Frank) Ortiz of Antonito, CO, Erma Duran of Lakewood, CO, Loyola (Daniel) Medina of Lakewood, CO, and Daniel (Annette) Martinez of Antonito, CO; his 18 grandkids and 35 great-grandkids; and in-laws Berlinda (Walter) Madrid, Mercy Atencio, and Nestor Sisneros. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Carlos; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Manuelita and Zacarias Atencio; Andreita and Escolastica, who helped raise him; his daughter, Gloria; one granddaughter, Makaylynn Rose; four great-grandchildren: Yazmeen Valdez, Austin Martinez, Angelica Martinez, and Alijah Martinez; his son-in-law, Lee Duran; his seven brothers and sisters; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law. The family sincerely thanks everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his hardworking spirit, his loyalty to those he loved, and the quiet strength he carried throughout his life. Rosary Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Conejos, CO Mass Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Conejos, CO Inurnment will follow immediately after Mass at the San Antonio Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Hall. To leave online condolences please visit: romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.

Charlie Frank Martinez

February 8, 1932 - March 4, 2026