Leopoldo "Leo" Juan Martinez, 89, died Monday, September 13, 2010 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born on July 12, 1921 in Offerle, the son of Juan P. and Antonia (Duran) Martinez.

Leo served in the United States Army during World War II and served in the European Theatre. On June 4, 1944, he married Aurora Ramon in Abilene, Texas. She preceded him in death on July 2, 1996. They moved to Dodge City in 1945. Leo worked for the Santa Fe Freight Line for 36 years. He then went to work for Dodge City Parks and Recreation for 10 years and the Dodge City Downtown Association for two years before retiring. Leo enjoyed fishing, dancing, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

He was a member of Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Dodge City, the American G.I. Forum, Teamsters Union Local 795, and a lifetime member of Howard Gotschall Post #1714 V.F.W. also of Dodge City.

Leo is survived by seven daughters, Annette Lopez, Elvira Martinez, and Marion Asebedo all of Dodge City, Jessica Roets of Hutchinson, Debbie Goolsby and Joanna Marin both of Olathe, and Nora Guerrero of Garden City; two sons, Edward Martinez and Johnny Martinez both of Dodge City; companion, Vera Fox of Dodge City; two brothers, Daniel Martinez of Tucson, Arizona and Tony Martinez of Murrieta, California. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Aurora, Leo was preceded in death by a son, Leo Martinez Jr.; a daughter, Elizabeth Guerrero; his parents; three brothers, Robert, William, and Louie; three sisters, Nellie Navarro, Phyllis Leal, and Mary Jane Martinez; and a great grandson, Marcus Guerrero.

Vigil service will be held at Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, Dodge City, on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 6:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Monday September 20, 2010 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ted Skalsky presiding. Burial will follow at Greencrest Cemetery in Dodge City with military rites by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from noon to 5:00 PM. Memorials can be made to Leo Martinez Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.