Felix G. "Sonny" Martinez
June 19, 2011
Felix “Sonny” Martinez, 69, passed away June 19, 2011, at the Community Living Center, V.A. facility. He was born January 25, 1942, in Des Moines, to Julius and Josephine (Quijano) Martinez.
Sonny graduated from East High School. After graduation, he honorably served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He remained close to several of the men he served with, especially Phil, who was like a brother to Sonny.
Sonny continued his education at DMACC, and went on to receive his degree in criminology from Drake University. He worked as a parole officer for the State of Iowa. Sonny enjoyed fishing, playing cards, riding his motorcycle, and traveling throughout the United States.
Sonny is survived by his children, Melanie Martinez and Josh Aalbers; grandchildren, Steven Remsen and Josephine Aalbers; niece, Danielle Johnson; nephew, Jason Johnson; and a host of extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his sister, Mary Louise Lee.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with the Rosary recited at 5 p.m., Sunday, June 26, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at the funeral home. A private family inurnment will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
John Rodriguez
08/12/2011
I recently found out about Marty's passing away. We were squadron mates together with HMM-164, USMC. I remember he took his job seriously but always managed to have a smile on his face. He was the kind of guy that would take the shirt off his back and give it to you if you needed it.
Good bye my brother. You can rest in peace now.
Amber Rodgers McGrath
06/29/2011
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Marty's family. I was honored to have several opportunities to meet this wonderful man growing up, whom was a very good friend to my dad, Phil Rodgers. Much Sympathy, Amber Rodgers McGrath
Lisa VanEllen
06/27/2011
Heartfelt sympathies to the Martinez family & friends.
My mother (Deborah Lee Blair) went to high school with Sonny. She always spoke fondly of him, and so when I saw he had passed, I felt I owed it to my mom to pay respects.
Mom's been gone since Sept. of '99.
Warm Regards,
Lisa VanEllen
Michael Collins & family
06/25/2011
On behalf of the Collins family & myself,please permit me to extend our sincere condolences to all that "Marty" has left behind.
We can find solace in the fact that his struggle is over.,but the sense of loss will always remain.
SAEPE EXPERTUS,SEMPER FIDELIS,FRATRES AETERNI..,my friend.
Sincerely,
Mike "Craze" Collins
Sgt.USMC HMM-164,165,265
Terry@Loretta Carnes
06/25/2011
Sorry for your loss, Sonny you were always the person who would go out of his way to say HI CUZ. Rest in peace 'CUZ',
Terry@Loretta Carnes
Suzi Rodgers
06/21/2011
To my dear friend, "Marty" as a fellow member of the USMC HMM 164-65 with my husband, Phil, you became a big brother to me as well. From all the times in Maine as well as Massachusetts all the way to the time you spent with us in Mexico, we had so many good times. Semper Fi. Be at peace.