MARTINEZ, Tomas C. (Tommy)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Thursday, January 20, 2011 Tomas C. Martinez, 79, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, in Flagstaff. Mr. Martinez was born March 23, 1931, in Seligman, to Alejandro Martinez and Gabrielita (Casaus), the youngest of 10 children. As a child in the midst of the Great Depression, he learned the value of hard work and creativity -- lessons he would impart to his children and grandchildren. He attended Seligman schools through high school, excelling as a football and a basketball star for the Antelopes. He graduated in 1949. Mr. Martinez enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps in October 1951, during the Korean War, and he served as a cook until discharged in November 1953. After the service, he worked for Central Commercial, a department store in Seligman. At this time, he also started his famous "Meat Shop" with cousin Pete Maestas. The M&M Meat Shop was built in an abandoned boxcar that the cousins added a walk-in freezer and cutting tables to in 1957. They taught themselves to cut meat, and for 50 years, Mr. Martinez enjoyed many a cool drink with the boys ("Meat Shop Gang") in the refuge of the Meat Shop. He began working for the AT & SF Railroad in Seligman in 1962 as a car clerk. He moved to Winslow in 1985 with the railroad, and then finished out his two years before retirement in Phoenix in August 1993. Tommy's Chicken Fry, which began as a small community event outside of Seligman in 1955, grew to legendary proportions over the years as Mr. Martinez made the affair an annual tradition. Today, more than 600 pounds of chicken are served to hundreds of people who gather the first Saturday of August to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Tommy Martinez. He was a man who breathed life and compassion into all who knew him, and the attendance at events such as his Chicken Fry speaks to his ability to reach out to each and every person in a way that was personal and meaningful. There was a comfort in his presence, and if he knew your name, you were family. Mr. Martinez was an excellent cook who loved to hunt, and he took great delight in traveling to all of his grandchildren's activities, games, concerts and graduations. His family was his pride and joy, and his unfailing selflessness was almost tangible. He is survived by his wife, Christine Martinez; children John (Patricia), Daniel (Delores) and Angela (Steve) Vargas; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife and mother of his children, Esperanza Martinez; son Michael; and nine siblings. Services will be at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 104 Schoeny, in Seligman, with a rosary to be recited Friday at 6 p.m. and a funeral Mass celebration Saturday at 11 a.m. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowens mortuary.com. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements.