We are sad to share the passing of our beloved father and husband, Martin M. Sanchez. He died at the age of 72, peacefully at home surrounded by family, on February 3, 2023 after battling cancer.

Martin was born on July 21, 1950, to Bernandino and Rebecca Sanchez (Mares) in Las Vegas, N.M. After Martin graduated from Robertson High School in 1969, he attended New Mexico State University to study animal science. A year later, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served from 1970 through 1973 domestically and abroad in Korea.

In 1972, Martin met the love of his life, Joyce, while stationed at Fort Riley in Junction City, Kansas. They were smitten with each other from the start and were married on March 4, 1972. They renewed their vows on January 21, 2023, at their home in Buena Vista. Martin and Joyce went on to have two children, Shaun and Stacy.

For more than 35 years, Martin owned and operated a well-known welding shop, Martin's Welding, in Las Vegas, N.M. He then drove a propane truck for Pendleton Propane Company for a few years and volunteered for Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge. Then in 2018 he became a permanent part of the refuge team as a maintenance worker. He finally retired in 2020 to work on his home in Buena Vista.

Martin loved fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and gardening. His children were his pride and joy, he loved bragging about their accomplishments and following their adventures and travels across the country. His greatest joy were his five grandchildren that made his heart happy being around them.

Anyone that knew Martin knew his generous heart and joyous laugh. He wanted family to love one another unconditionally and was proud of where he called home, Buena Vista. He enjoyed drinking coffee early in the morning with his friends at Frankens.  Beyond his skill and talent as a welder, he enjoyed carpentry and was a bit of a jack of all trades.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Bernandino and Rebecca Sanchez, brother Bernandino (BD) Sanchez, and his nephew Thomas Sanchez. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Sanchez, son, Shaun Sanchez (Maria), daughter, Stacy Sanchez, brother, Thomas Sanchez (Mary Lou) and five grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A rosary will be offered on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in Mora, N.M. by members of The Legion of Mary.  The funeral mass of resurrection will be celebrated by Father Paul on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church with full military honors. Christian burial will take place in Buena Vista at a later date.

Serving as pall bearers will be his grandchildren and nephews- Amani Rogers-Muller, Senaida Sanchez, Soliz Sanchez, Andres Sanchez, Emilio Sanchez, Lucas Sanchez, Jason Manzanares, and JP Martinez. Honorary pall bearers will be Chris Adams, Joey Howard, Rebecca Sanchez, Mavrina Sanchez, Santana Manzanares, and Erica Garza.

Arrangements are entrusted and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Avenue Las Vegas, NM 87701 (505) 425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.