MARTINEZ, Juan (Johnny)

Yuma Sun, Yuma, Arizona - Published in The Yuma Sun on Jan. 30, 2014 - Juan "Johnny" Martinez born October 20th 1939 in Yuma Az, passed away on Friday, January 24th 2014 and was reunited with his wife of more than 50 years, Irene S. Martinez, who had preceded him in death, August 24th, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his father, Estevan Martinez and mother Virginia Sanchez, sister Ofelia Perez and son John "Johnny boy" Martinez. Dad leaves behind his sisters Marcela Amaparano, Ruth and Jerry Rivas, Flavia and Raul Lopez and brother Steve and Rita Martinez all from California. Dad is survived by his four daughters and two sons, Frieda Martinez, Jackie and David Lyons (Iowa), Mark and Esther Martinez, Stacy and Rethema Martinez (Phoenix) Malena and Tony Martinez and Flavia Martinez, Godson Ralphie Gonzalez (Phoenix) 24 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Dad was a member of the Arizona Army National Guard, he retired from the food service industries. He was a native of Yuma, AZ, born and raised. Dad was an avid reader and loved baseball, the L.A. Dodgers. He considered himself a modern man that loved the history channel and the Turner Classic Movies. A releasing of red balloons in his honor will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 1pm at the Gateway Park below the Hilton Pivot Point and followed by a celebration of his life at the American Legion, 2575 Virginia Drive from 3pm-7pm.