William "Willie" Martinez

CASA GRANDE - William "Willie" Martinez Sr., 89, of Casa Grande died on March 23, 2016, at home.

Mr. Martinez was born on Feb. 10, 1927, in Brawley, California, and was a son of Jesus Martinez and Clara Valdez-Martinez. He was a railroad foreman and retired from Southern Pacific after 43 years. He loved to travel, garden, hunt and play guitar and was a father figure and "tata" to many people.

He loved to eat good food and especially pancakes, and he had an ice cream cone every day. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and his door was always open.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Josie F.; nine daughters, Lupe Lujan, Mercedes Medrano, Natalie Lujan and Eleanor Stoor, all of Casa Grande, Rita Martinez of Ahwatukee, Clara Lopez and Clara M. Lopez of Tucson, Jenny Garcia and Maggie Griffith of Tucson; four sons, David and Willie Martinez Jr. of Eloy, Roque Martinez of Casa Grande and Javier Gallegos of Tucson; two sisters, Josie Earhart and Esperanza "Hope" Ruiz of Tucson; 42 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clemente and Carlos Martinez; three sisters, Mary Garcia, Alex M. Lopez and Margaret Martinez; three grandsons, Carlos G. Medrano, Aurelio Jimenez Jr. and Aaron Garcia; and a great-grandson, Forest M. Towns.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Helen of the Cross Catholic Church in Eloy, with rosary recited at 10:30. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11. Burial will be in Eloy Memorial Park.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.