Crowd of 225 sees Martinez laid to rest

Crowd of 225 sees Martinez laid to rest

July 7, 2001

by Aspen C. Emmett
Journal Staff Writer

Affectionately known as F.C. by those close to him, Fred C. Martinez Jr. was kind, good-natured and well-liked, according to friends and family who paid their respects during his funeral Thursday afternoon.

"He gave us laughter," said Suzanne Casey during the eulogy. "He was a wonderful, cheerful and smiling person."

More than 225 friends and family members packed into the pews and stood against the back wall in a crowded Ertel Memorial Chapel three weeks to the day after the 16-year-old’s body was discovered in a rocky canyon just south of Cortez.

Two pictures of Martinez sat atop the closed casket, both showing the teen’s soft smile.

With bitter thoughts of Martinez’s tragic death fresh on their minds, mourners hinted at the pain and cruel criticism they said Martinez would no longer have to endure.

"God bless everyone who loved him the way he was," Casey said tearfully.

Martinez died of blunt trauma and exposure on the night of June 16, police say. An 18-year-old Farmington man, Shaun Murphy, has been arrested in the killing, but the charges against him have not been disclosed.

Martinez was born in Tuba City, Ariz., and came to live in Cortez at the age of 6. He attended Mesa Elementary School, Cortez Middle School and Montezuma-Cortez Middle School, and took classes through the adult education program.

Martinez was a member of the Native American Club in school and loved music and playing the clarinet.

Adult-education teacher Ann Miller told the crowd Martinez’s charismatic presence in the classroom always brought warmth and laughter to other students.

"He was constantly smiling," Miller said. "I never saw him unhappy."

Miller recalled the last days of school before summer break and talked of an enthusiastic and hopeful Martinez who had plans for earning his GED. Miller added that Martinez would likely have gone into fashion design, computer graphics or counseling had he been given the opportunity.

A memorial fund has been established to help Martinez’s family with the funeral expenses. Donations can be sent to Citizens State Bank, Cortez. Checks should be written to the bank with "Fred Martinez Jr. Memorial Fund" in the memo field.