Herbert Melvin Martinez

Herbert Melvin Martinez, 76, of Santa Clara Pueblo died Thursday December 9, 2021.

Mr. Martinez was a graduate of Espanola High School and went on to attend The University of Colorado Architecture Program in Denver, CO. He served as a Sergeant in the US Army during the Vietnam era. He worked as an architect for Kenneth Clark and assoc. (Santa Fe), Theodore Wadell and assoc. (Santa Fe), and later established First American Ltd. (Owner) from which he later retired.

He cared deeply about the education of all children and was appointed to the New Mexico State Board of Education by NM Governor Garrey Carruthers in April 1987-1991.

He enjoyed being with family and friends, fishing, watching sporting events, and working on automobiles for family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Myles and Julia Martinez, sisters Wilma Martinez, Esther Martinez, Mary Martinez, Natalie Martinez and infant child.

He is survived by his wife Lucy Martinez, children Raymond Martinez and wife Julie, Kenneth Martinez, Bonnie Martinez and husband Antonio Williams. He is also survived by his sisters Audrey Cobrun and husband Michael, Ida Red Bear and husband Martin, adopted sister Cheryl Holcomb, brothers Fredrick Martinez, Gerald “Bo” Martinez and John Martinez.

He is survived by his grandchildren Jarrod, Jessica, Alexander, Angela, Skylor, Andrew, Wesley, Povi, Pina, and numerous relatives and friends in all Pueblos and The Navajo Nation. Pallbearers are Andrew Martinez, Tony Gutierrez, Regis Chavarria, Chris Velarde, Melvin Dishta and Simon Baca.

A viewing and rosary will be held between 5pm and 8pm on Monday January 3, 2022 at Rivera Funeral Home in Espanola, NM. His burial will be celebrated on Tuesday January 4, 2022 10:30 am at Santa Fe National Cemetery.