Pastor Charles Martinez

Pastor Charles Martinez was born to his parents, Luciana and Evaristo Martinez on May 13, 1950 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He was the eighth child born, and was raised with his siblings, Gregorio, Ignacio, Phillip, Wilfred, Nicholas, Rosie, Dora, Della, Dorothy, Sandy, Sadie, Elsa, Louann, Dolly, Jaye and Mary.

A large family indeed, the family worked together to take care of one another.

The Martinez family moved to Colorado for additional opportunities and settled in the city of Fowler. Charles was educated through the Fowler School District. He later graduated from Fowler High School in 1968.

Several years later, he met a lovely lady named Vangie. They were joined in holy matrimony on November 19, 1977 in Denver, Colorado. The couple enjoyed more than 40 years together. Vangie fondly recalls of the many wonderful experiences that they shared. To this union, Kerri, Charles and Dolores were born. Charles and Vangie made many sacrifices for their children, they aimed to provide the best opportunities for their children to succeed.

He worked as a Case Manager at Community Living Alternatives, and did so with a spirit of excellence. This was a ministry for Charles, and he put his all into it. A man of faith, Charles was a member of River of Life ministries for more than 40 years. He knew the Lord for himself, and he lived it.

To know Charles was to love him, he had a contagious laugh, loved to joke around, and had a nickname for everyone. His family’s favorite memories include him sneaking his grandchildren money and praising him for his “mean hook shoot”. A man of compassion and care, he was always there to lend a hand to others. If you needed someone to pray with, he never hesitated and even prayed for people he didn’t know. Needless to say, he made an impact on many lives.

During his free time, Charles loved to cheer on the Denver Nuggets. A true basketball fan, he enjoyed going to games with his family in their Nuggets attire and made sure to watch their games on TV if he was unable to attend in person. He also enjoyed going to car shows with his family. For many years, his mentor and best friend was Pastor Norman Moon. We know he is now reunited with him in heaven.

He will truly be missed.

Charles joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 25, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Vangie; children, Kerri, Charlie and Dolores; son-in-laws, Danny and Dean; grandchildren, Daniela, Darien, Jakob, Chance, Jaden, Dean and Drayani; great grandchildren, Octavia and Onna; several siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins.