Phillip E. Martinez

Phillip E. Martinez, 71, of Pueblo passed away on March 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Della and Phil Padilla; siblings, Gloria (Ernie) Montoya, Ernestine (Johnny) Vigil; brother-in-law, (Robert Casillas); cousins, Ray and Jerry Aguilar; and mother-in-law, Priscilla Gallegos. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Patricia Martinez; children, Rico Martinez (Monica Romero), Chad Martinez, Russell Gallegos (Angela Romero), Naomi Lobato; grandchildren, Anthony Martinez (Gabriela Patterson), Mia, Nerriah, EJ, and Sebastian Martinez, Lucas, Sophia, and Ariana Gallegos; great grandchildren, Azalea, Cataleya, Marebel, Avalino, and Delilah Martinez; Sister, Linda Casillas; nephews and nieces; Ernie Montoya, Jay, Steve, Paul, Kenny, and Kieth Vigil, Barbara (Dan) Segura, Lisa (Teddy) Garcia, Mike (Karen) Casillas, Jeff (Shannon) Casillas, Bobbie Jo (Frankie) Marquez, Isaac (Marina) Casillas, Gloria (George) Medina; numerous great and great-great nephews and nieces; extended family; and life long friend Mickey Guerrero. Phil enjoyed going to the flea market and was always buying or selling something. He loved going to Cripple Creek, and his favorite hobby was playing cards every Friday night with his card buddies; Danny, Francis, Bill, Celia, Miguel, Araceli, Alfredo, Veronica, Rico, and Russell. He enjoyed good food, and his favorite meal was enchiladas. Growing up in La Junta, Phil was known for his time playing baseball and softball. His favorite sports teams were the Raiders and Rockies. Phil loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He will be forever loved and very deeply missed by all those he leaves behind. God saw Phil was getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around him and whispered, "Come with me." With tearful eyes we watched him suffer, and saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating; hard working hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought but what we built; not what we got but what we shared; not our competence but our character; and not our success, but our significance.

Phillip E. Martinez

June 15, 1951 - March 27, 2023