Louis Martinez

Louis Martinez, age 87, of Keyes, Oklahoma died October 23, 2014 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, Kansas. He was born June 21, 1927 in Barney, New Mexico the son of Aniceto and Rosenda (Montoya) Martinez.

Louis grew up in New Mexico. After serving in the United States Army 123rd Engineer Survey Battalion in Japan, during World War II, Louis moved to Clayton, New Mexico. On November 29, 1947, he married Virginia (Marquez) in Clayton. He worked on a pipeline in Clayton until moving to Keyes, Oklahoma where he was the foreman at the Stafford Brothers Grain Elevator. He also worked for the Cimarron County District 3 in Keyes, Oklahoma until his retirement in 1989. Louis also raised cattle and hogs. He enjoyed camping, spending time at the lake, traveling, and being with family. Louis was a member of the Catholic Church, and the American Legion in Keyes, Oklahoma.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia of their home in Keyes, Oklahoma; sons, Gilbert Martinez of Amarillo, Texas, Leonard Martinez and wife Rhoda of Foss, Oklahoma, Virgil Martinez of Keyes, Oklahoma; daughters, Cathy Forbes and husband Francis of Ulysses, Kansas, Connie Boese of Amarillo, Texas, and Ruby Martinez of Elkhart, Kansas; brothers, Severo Martinez of Texline, Texas, Conrad Martinez of Keyes, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Louis is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, two sisters; and one grandchild.

Rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 26, 2014 and funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 27, 2014 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Elkhart, Kansas with Reverend Francis Khoi Nguyen officiating. Interment will follow at Willow Bar Cemetery in Keyes, Oklahoma. Friends may call from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart. Arrangements are in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.