Obits June 20

J.D. Cox, 77

J.D. “Red” Cox, 77, of Lubbock, died Thursday, June 19, 2003, at his home.

He was born Aug. 27, 1925, in Elida, to Sally Ann and J.D. “Dory” Cox.

His mother died when he was 2 weeks old. He was raised by his grandmother until the age of 13. When his grandmother died he went to live with his father. He left home at 17 to start driving trucks for long haul jobs. He drove trucks cross country until he retired in 1988. He married Gwen Connelly on May 27, 1977, in Juarez, Mexico. Family members said he enjoyed going to flea markets where bought and resold pans, cowboy boots and a few pocket knives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; a stepson, Kenneth Connelly; and a grandchild.

Survivors include his wife; a stepson, Gene Connelly of Sudan, Texas; a stepdaughter, Zelma Sisemore of Hale Center, Texas; a brother, Jim “Happy” Cox of Mountainview, Wyo.; and 13 grandchildren.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Elida Cemetery. Scott P. Reeves will officiate.

Honorary pallbearers will be his friends.

Wheeler Mortuary of Portales is handling arrangements.

Manuel Martinez, 92

Manuel Silva “M.S.” Martinez, 92, of Portales, died Wednesday, June 18, 2003, at Heartland Continuing Care Center in Portales.

He was born June 5, 1911, in El Paso, Texas, to Vincenta and Mateo Lopez.

He was the youngest of three children and his father died before he was born. His stepfather, Juan Martinez, adopted the children. He grew up in Canadian, Texas. He married Frances Briggs on July 27, 1929, in Sayre, Okla. He worked 48 years for the Santa Fe Railway in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. In 1975, he retired as a foreman in the Amarillo yards. After retiring, he moved to Kingfisher, Okla. In 1982 he moved to Portales, where he made his home until his death. As a young man he enjoyed playing baseball. In the 1930s he played semi-pro ball in Kansas City, Mo. He was a Catholic and the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his natural father; his adoptive father, Juan Martinez; his mother; a daughter, Glenda Howell; a brother, Jose Martinez; a sister, Mary Gutierrez; and his wife.

Survivors include three sons, Marty Martinez of Portales, Tim Martinez of Holtville, Calif., and David Martinez of Oklahoma City; and 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. (CDT) Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Canadian. Father David Cortreras will be the celebrant.

Burial will be at Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery in Canadian.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Wheeler Mortuary of Portales is handling arrangements.

Margarito Romero, 91

Margarito Romero, 91, of Portales, died Wednesday, June 18, 2003, at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis.

He was born Feb. 22, 1912, in Puerto de Luna, to Rita and Norberto Archibeque.

He was raised by Joe and Antonia Romero in Puerto de Luna and used the Romero name. During his lifetime he was employed by the city of Roswell, the railroad and on various ranches as a ranch hand. He was a member of the St. Rosa of Lima Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Felicita Duran; and four brothers, Eugene, Juan, Manuel and Moises Archibeque.

A private burial was held Thursday at Portales Cemetery.

Wheeler Mortuary of Portales is handling arrangements.