Juan O. Martinez, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Winkelman in the early morning hours of May 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Juan was born on Aug. 5, 1937, to Juan and Eusebia Martinez in Winkelman. He grew up in Winkelman and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 through 1957. Upon completing his service, he returned home and married his wife, Adeline Noriega. They were married on May 18, 1958, and lived in Winkelman where Juan worked for Asarco smelter in Hayden. He eventually became the Foreman in the converters then in the maintenance yard.
Juan was also a local cowboy who excelled at team roping with all of his team roping partners.
He enjoyed doing cowboy work of branding and rounding up cattle and helping the local ranchers when needed. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with his family and friends. His favorite pastime was spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids.
Juan is survived by his loving wife, Adeline Martinez; sons, John Martinez (Anna Martinez), Tommy Martinez (Lydia Martinez) and Danny Martinez (Toni Martinez); grandsons, Mario Martinez (Paige Martinez), Christopher Martinez (Kristy Martinez), Thomas Martinez and Nicholas Martinez; granddaughters, Teya Spring (Nick Spring), Helene Quiroz (Natalie Quiroz) and Selena Sims (Kyle Sims); and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Edward (Lalo) Martinez, and sister, Genoveva (Beva) Lopez.
Juan was preceded in death by his father, Juan Martinez, mother, Eusebia Martinez, and daughter, Theresa Martinez; sisters, Annie Pierson, Ramona (Monchie) Valdez and Mary Florez; and brother, Frank (Chico) Martinez.
Juan was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He instilled his faith and values into everyone he met. He loved his community and everyone in it. He will truly be missed. Keep ridin’ cowboy, until we meet again.
Services were held Saturday, May 18, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hayden. Interment followed at Mountain View Cemetery in Hayden.