Lawrence “Marty” Martinez, 90, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025 with family by his side. Marty was born on April 30, 1934 to Gus and Sadie Martinez of Puritan, Colorado. He was married to the love of his life Becky Bower on November 18, 1972 after 53 years together and she survives.
Marty graduated from Erie High School in 1952. He joined the Air Force right out of high school. He had 26 ½ years in the US Air Force before retiring in July of 1978. He served 3 continuous tours in Vietnam and traveled the whole world in his career. Then he went to work at Maconaquah School Corporation for 23 years before retiring in 2010. He then went to work on the grounds at Grissom Air Force Base before his final retirement.
Marty loved to fly he had over 10,000 flying hours. He was a lifetime member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, lifetime member of VFW, and was lifetime member of Peru Moose. Marty loved to work on his farm with his wife and watch the horses in the pasture. He also loved his John Deere 4020 Tractor. He loved his Maconaquah Braves football and basketball team. Marty also enjoyed his buddies coming over and having “union breaks” in his shop.
Marty is survived by his wife Becky Martinez, children Katrina Pruitt, Michael Martinez, Keith Martinez, Jed Brower, and Jud Brower (deceased). He has three granddaughters: Jennifer Bonde, Madison Dodge,and Mallori Martinez, and two great grandchildren Jack and Oliver. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 siblings, and a stepson.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 12:00pm-2:00pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at 2:00pm with Pastor Eric Alwine officiating. Burial will take place at Springdale Cemetery in Bunker Hill, Indiana.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Maconaquah High School Athletics Department, 256 East 800 South, Bunker Hill, Indiana 46914.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lawrence “Marty” Martinez, please visit our floral store.
