Cipriano "Cipi" Lara Martinez

Cipriano “Cipi” Lara Martinez, 87, of Loving, NM peacefully passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. Cipi was born September 3, 1935, in Loving, NM to Gregorio and Rafaela Martinez.

Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Loving, NM, followed by a rosary and vigil starting at 6:00 PM with Deacon Mel Balderrama officiating. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday, September 30, 2022, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Fr. Pasala Hruday Kumar officiating, followed by interment at Loving Cemetery. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Cipriano proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He was a proud supporter of all things Loving, NM. Cipi was a faithful member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, member of the Holy Name Society for 60 years, served as Eucharistic Minister for 25 years and served under twelve different priests during his time there. Cipi was also a bingo caller for many years at the parish hall.  He was a founding member of the Loving School Board and served many years, and was instrumental in getting Loving High School built.

Cipi was an avid baseball fan, and was a coach in the Little League, Babe Ruth League and Junior League, and always had a special place in his heart for the Loving Tigers. You could also say he was the number one Falcon fan, always attending sporting events his grandchildren were in, having nine that graduated from Loving High School. Cipi enjoyed wood working, watching his western shows, whistling everywhere he went, being a jokester and always making others laugh. Cipi would always say that when he died, he would go to Heaven in his truck because there is a highway to heaven.  He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, and his legacy of joy and smiling positivity will live on in those he cared so dearly for.

Cipi was preceded in death by his father, Gregorio Martinez; mother, Rafaela (Lara) Martinez; and three siblings: Eslando Martinez, Elsie Martinez, and Lydia Martinez.

Cipi is survived by his loving wife, Frances (Tarango) Martinez of Loving, NM; four children: Lionel Martinez and wife, Sarah of Vacaville, CA; Mario Martinez of Lovington, NM; Raul Martinez of Pecos, TX; and Eleanora Hernandez and husband, Ray of Loving, NM; thirteen grandchildren: Manuel Soto, Selena Martinez, Gabriella Martinez, Isabel Martinez, Matthew Martinez, Victoria Navarrette, Rebecca Martinez, Brittney Jackson, Andrew Martinez, Katelyn Martinez, Joshua Pierce, Christopher Pierce, and Jacqueline Pierce; seven great grandchildren: Melina Martinez, Matthew Martinez, II, Nikolai Mason, Christopher Jackson, Kenya Pierce, Kalliopi Pierce, and Alakai Leija; two brothers: Luis Martinez of Artesia, NM; and Jose Martinez of Pomona, CA; and numerous more extended family and friends.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com