Cruz Martinez, age 85 years, passed away on August 17, 2024. He was originally from Fresno, California, but his service in the United States Air Force took him across the country and to other countries such as Korea and Japan. He finally settled with his family in Colorado Springs, where he lived for 41 years.
Cruz was born on September 14, 1938, to Carmen Martinez and Atanasia (Gutierrez) Martinez in Sanger, California. On September 2, 1967, he married Sandra Lawrence at Andrews Air Force Base, and the two remained married for 56 years.
Cruz was fond of running and participated in the Pikes Peak Ascent numerous times and continued to work with Pikes Peak Road Runners for many years after. He also donated much of his time to charities including the Springs Rescue Mission. Though he lived in many cities through his life, he was a devout Catholic who was a regular member of his church family wherever he lived. He was a United States Air Force veteran who served his country on active duty for 26 years and continued to serve in the civil service for 12 years afterwards.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; his two sons, Phillip and Andrew; and his siblings: Sally, Margaret and Carmen. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Mike, Joe, Jimmy, Elizabeth, Mary, Lawrence, Jessie, and Annette.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Private inurnment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Song of Mary Columbarium.
Steve Young
31 Aug 2024The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. Martinez’s 26 years of distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Jerilee Ruiz
2 Sep 2024Cuate wants me to tell you he sends his love. He is sad and misses his brother. May God bless everyone at this difficult time. from Cuate’s friend, Jeri.
Anthony Birge
5 Sep 2024My condolences for my Tio Cruz. I was fortunate enough to see him again earlier this year. We had a good time and I was planning to visit him again. I will miss him. Tio Cruz will be remembered by us in California.