Martinez, Manuel

Manuel Martinez

Services: Have been held.

Manuel Silva “M.S.” Martinez, 92, of Portales, died Wednesday, June 18, 2003, at Heartland Continuing Care Center in Portales.

He was born June 5, 1911, in El Paso, Texas, to Vincenta and Mateo Lopez.

He was the youngest of three children and his father died before he was born. His stepfather, Juan Martinez, adopted the children. He grew up in Canadian, Texas. He married Frances Briggs on July 27, 1929, in Sayre, Okla. He worked 48 years for the Santa Fe Railway in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. In 1975, he retired as a foreman in the Amarillo yards. After retiring, he moved to Kingfisher, Okla. In 1982 he moved to Portales, where he made his home until his death. As a young man he enjoyed playing baseball. In the 1930s he played semi-pro ball in Kansas City, Mo. He was a Catholic and the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his natural father; his adoptive father, Juan Martinez; his mother; a daughter, Glenda Howell; a brother, Jose Martinez; a sister, Mary Gutierrez; and his wife.

Survivors include three sons, Marty Martinez of Portales, Tim Martinez of Holtville, Calif., and David Martinez of Oklahoma City; and 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Father David Cortreras will be the celebrant.

Burial will be at Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery in Canadian.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Wheeler Mortuary of Portales is handling arrangements.