Michael Edward Martinez, 79 of Golden, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 29, 2024 surrounded by his family.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.  Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield with full military honors.

Michael was born on February 12, 1945 in Santa Paula, California to Miguel Martinez and Anita (Huerta) Martinez.  He completed his high school education in Compton, California and went on to attend community college.  In 1962, he entered the United States Navy and served four years including serving on the USS Hornet during Vietnam.

Michael was married to Marylou Jaramillo for five years and the two remained friends for life. He enjoyed deep sea saltwater fishing and playing the lottery.  He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, love for his family and for spoiling his grandchildren.  He retired from UPS as a warehouse porter and moved to Golden 4 years ago.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; his infant twin brother, Rosalio; and his grandson, Victor Bolivar.

He will be greatly missed by his children, David Martinez (Jamie) of Liberty, MO, Christina Stults (Cliff) of Golden, MO, Dora Bolivar (Jose) of Springfield, MO, and Margarita Reyes (Lorenzo) of Beaumont, CA; one sister, Esther Villa of Monterey Park, CA; nephew, Michael Villa; nieces, Jessica Villa and Leatrice Bautista; twenty grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.