Michael Paul Martinez

Michael P. Martinez (Mikey), 52 years old, of Talpa, NM, passed away at home, peacefully and surrounded by family on January 18, after a brief illness.

He was born in Taos on January 31, 1967. Mikey graduated from Taos High School in 1985 and attended UNM-Taos. He loved the mountains and had a deep passion for hunting, fishing, camping, carving and painting. Mikey was a talented artist and owned a gallery at the Taos Plaza, displayed his artwork in local banks and the NM State Fair. He and his family created artwork which he gifted to friends and loved ones for holidays and special occasions. He served on Board of Directors for the Talpa Community Center for several years, taught ceramics classes, and offered his services to the Center for several years. Mikey loved talking to people and sharing stories about the mountains and his hunting experiences. All who knew Mikey found him to be a caring and a kind-hearted man.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Jose Pablo and Rosa Maria Martinez of Talpa, NM; sisters Bonnie Benavidez and Loretta Sanchez; niece Carla Martinez and nephew Raymond Paul Sanchez of Espanola, NM.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of thirty years Denise Martinez; children Santiago, Pablo, and Samantha; grandchildren Carlos, Michael, and Anthony; godchildren Greg Gonzales and Andrew Martinez; siblings David Martinez of Taos, NM, Jenny Vigil (Eraclio) of Tucson, AZ and Diana Duran (Cippie) of Taos, NM; parents-in-law Frank and Julie Gonzales of Taos, NM; brothers-in-law Rudulfo Benavidez of Grand Junction, CO, Ramon Sanchez of Espanola, NM, and Sammy Gonzales (Sharon) of Taos, NM; sisters-in-law Rebecca Young, Lupe Martinez (Edward) and Claudette Gonzales (Charles), special friends/family member; Winifred Stebbins, Jim Richards, and Lydia Garcia and many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Public visitation will be held on Thursday January 23, 2020 from 2:00PM to 3:00PM in the Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  Rosary will be recited Thursday January 23, 2020 at 6:00 PM at St. Francis de Asis Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday January 24, 2020 at 10:00AM at St. Francis de Asis Catholic Church with burial to follow at the Talpa Cemetery.

The family of Michael Paul Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019