Copeland - Jay Edward Martinez, 80, died October 17, 2023 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born on December 1, 1942 at Woodward, Oklahoma the son of Jay and Ruth (Ascencio) Martinez.

He enjoyed restoring old cars going to swap meets and car shows and also enjoyed playing softball and collecting coins in his spare time. Jay proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He retired from Collingwood Grain Company after several years of service.

He is survived by his wife Linda Lamb of the home, two sons Art Gepner and wife Lori of North Carolina; Tommy Gepner of Dodge City; one daughter Tamara Sands and husband Bryan; two sisters Ruth Ann Waldron of Dodge City; Susan Riphan and husband Jim of Rapid City, South Dakota; one brother Anthony Martinez and wife Gerilynne of Saranac, New York; one sister-in-law Sherry Martinez of Lenexa, Kansas. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, one sister Barbara Waldron, one brother Mark Martinez and two nephews Joseph Waldron and Aaron Martinez.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Saturday October 28, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Mark Sopjes presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery in Copeland with full military honors by the Navy Honors program and the SWKS Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.