Ernie Martinez

Ernie Martinez, 85-year-old resident of Guymon, Oklahoma passed away peacefully Tuesday evening March 21, 2023 at his home in Guymon, surrounded by his loving family.

Ernest Eugene “Ernie” Martinez was born March 4, 1938 to Ernest Napoleon and Amelia (Tarufelli) Martinez in Des Moines, New Mexico.

He attended Des Moines School System until he entered the United States Air Force.

MSgt Martinez served in the US Air Force for 21 years. He was a communications specialist, handling secret information and overseeing computer operations. While serving, he met Mabel Mender and was subsequently married on September 24th, 1959 in Albuquerque New Mexico. They later had four children. Together, they served in France, Germany, and various other places throughout the United States. He rose to the ranks of a Senior Non Commissioned Officer and was known for his hard work, professionalism, patriotism, and leadership. He was recognized with numerous medals, and he proudly served and loved his country. Serving in the United States Air Force was truly one of the greatest honors of his life. He was a fantastic Airman!

Upon moving to Guymon Ernie worked at Hitch Enterprises as a computer technician for several years. After retiring from Hitch Enterprises in 2014 he enjoyed hunting, fishing, following his kids and grandchildren’s sports and conducting his own basic training by having to cut firewood.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents: Ernest and Amelia Martinez, one son: Oranzo, One Sister Alice Gross and Brother in-law Joe Gross. Three brothers: Oronzo Martinez, Joe Fermin Martinez and sister in-law Becky Martinez, and Bobby Martinez, nephew Billy Lee Martinez, niece: El Freda (Trujillo) Patton and In-Laws Alex and Demy Mender.

Left to carry on his legacy are his wife Mabel of the home, Daughter Jo Ann Mallard and Donnie Depuy of Guymon, Oklahoma four sons: Jerry Martinez and wife Kim of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ronnie Martinez and wife Angel of Fritch, Texas, Del Blackburn and wife Jill of Avondale, Arizona, Dennis and wife Michele Gonzales of Clayton, New Mexico, nineteen grandchildren: Grant Mallard, Jennie Larson, Travis Martinez, Cortney Martinez, Tayler DeMarsh, Rob DeMarsh, Garrett Martinez, Ryan Martinez, Autumn Trumbly, Tyler McLain, Michelle McLain, Kelsey Blomberg, Craig Blomberg, Sierra Blackburn, Shea Blackburn, Denise Gonzales, Anthony Gonzales, Brittany Gonzales, Nic Gonzales, twelve great-grandchildren: Shayla Eastland, Zeke Bermea, Eric Mallard, Rhiannon Mallard, Kyle Larson, Ryann Larson, Bryce Larson, Isabella DeMarsh, Luke McLain, Tanner McLain, Kilee Mireles, Jaidyn Gonzales. Five sisters: Julia Wiseley and husband Carl, Barbara Trujillo and husband Fred, Magdeline Garcia and husband Shorty, Tina Horman and husband Larry, Anna Sherrod and husband Jack, one sister- in-law, Tina Martinez. One brother: Joe Martinez and wife Florence. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Celebration of life services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at theVictory Center Church with Dwight Kirksey officiating.

The family requests everyone wear comfortable and casual clothes for the celebration.

The family requests all donations go to “The Air Force Aid Society”. The link to donate is found on the Air Force Aid Society official web site.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hensonnovak.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernie Martinez, please visit our floral store.