Jose Martinez Obituary

Jose A. "Archie" Martinez passed away on July 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the family home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was 78 years old. Archie was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico on March 29, 1947, to Pete A. and Trini Martinez. He attended West Las Vegas High School where he played football, basketball, and ran track graduating in 1966. After high school he attended New Mexico Highlands University where he received his Bachelor of Arts. Archie married his beloved wife Josette, on September 6, 1969, raising their three children Michaelynn, Damian, Zachary. After graduating from college Archie began his career with the Social Security Administration, retiring from that agency in 1999. Archie was also a member of the New Mexico National Guard entering service in 1965 and retiring in 1996. In 1991 he was called into active duty with the United States Army in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, deploying with the 720th Transportation Unit. Throughout his life Archie was active in the Catholic Church serving as a eucharistic minister, parish council member, lay leader in Crusillos, and a facilitator during marriage enrichments program. Archie was also a member of the West Las Vegas High School, Robertson High School, and Highlands University booster clubs, and was a member of the Stu Clark Tournament Committee for more than twenty years. Archie was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He always took time to help anyone in need, lend an ear, and to give advice when asked. Archie was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Trini Martinez, his grandson Michael J. R. Martinez, son-in-law Gilbert F. Martinez, brother Angelo Martinez, sister Priscilla Lowe, niece Celeste Demeter, father and mother-in-law Carlos and Josie Crespin, sisters and brothers-in-law Concha and Julian Salazar, Joan Crespin, Judy and Edward Arguello, nephews Billy Arguello, Kieth Crespin, and Ernie Montano. Archie is survived by his wife of 55 years Josette, his daughter Michaelynn of Albuquerque, Damian (Bella) of Las Cruces, and Zachary (Angela) of Las Vegas, Nevada. Grandchildren Megan Venaglia (Brandon), Candace Martinez (Maurice), Joseph, Alicia, Liam, and Chloe. Great-grandchildren Azariah, Liliana, and Luca. Brothers and sisters Eddie Martinez (Christine), Junior Martinez, Rob Lowe, Marie Benavidez (Danny), and Darlene Herrera (Leon). Brothers and Sisters-in-law Margie Seay-Maez, Thomas Crespin (Vicky), and Michael Crespin (Annette). He is also survived by his nephews and nieces Mark Arguello, Angel Gutierrez, Edward Martinez, Joselle Chandler (Jim), Cabrini Sandoval (Rodney), Karesse Arguello, Martin X. Salazar (Julie), Ernesto J. Salazar (Dyanne), Rob Lowe (Dawn), Cabrini Martinez, Arcenio Lowe, Rick Martinez (Bethany), Ryan Martinez, Amanda Benavidez (Roger), Marcos Martinez (Elisa), Kiki Gonzales (Juan), Catherine Benavidez, Eric Benavidez, Kimberly Crespin, Jodi Rael, and many great-nephews and nieces. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM. Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 9:00 am with the following serving as Pallbearers; Joseph R. Martinez, Liam Z.P. Martinez, Martin X. Salazar, Ernesto J. Salazar, Rick G. Martinez, and Marcos J. Martinez. Honorary pallbearers are Arcenio Lowe, Thomas J. Crespin, Mike J. Chavez, Curly Chavez, James Chavez, Chris Najar, Panchito Dominguez, Christian Montano, Domenick J. Puricelli, Danny J. Ciddio, Jr., and Sam H. Hillis. Interment will be at 9:00 am on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511. If sending the family a sympathy card via our online service you may mail it directly to the family by clicking "Send to Family Address".