MONTE VISTA — Dennis Arthur Martinez, 77, passed away on Feb. 19, in Aurora. 

He was born in Monte Vista on Aug. 24, 1942 to Jose Benito (Ben) and Casilda Esther Marquez Martinez.

Dennis graduated from La Jara High School in 1961. After high school, he briefly attended Adams State College and gained valuable experience as a machinist and an equipment operator in heavy civil construction.

In 1964, Dennis was drafted into the U.S. Army,where he proudly served in Vietnam with the 62nd Engineers. His company built air strips in Cam Ranh Bay and Phang Rang.

He was honorably discharged in 1967 after achieving the rank of Specialist E5.

Following a few years as an over-the-road truck driver, Dennis discovered his true passion in the mining industry, working his own mine and fabricating mining equipment.

Dennis never married, but was blessed with many very good friends.

He is survived by his siblings, Ben, Carolyn (Larry Gallegos), Elizabeth (Ralph Lambert), Rebecca (Dan Mercier-deceased), Pauline (John Young-deceased), David (Norma) and Kenneth and Janet.

Also surviving are 19 nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family members.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Cora, and brothers, Raymond, Richard and Robert; and by his maternal grandparents Savino and Sophia Marquez, and paternal grandparents Rueben and Ermalinda Martinez.

Cremation was selected and a memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 4 at the Church of All Saints, 2559 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, 80219.

The burial will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetary, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., in Denver, where he will receive military funeral honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

Newcomer Mortuary in Lakewood is assisting with funeral arrangements.

Online condolences may be made by visiting the website www.newcomerdenver.com.