Obituaries : Kenneth “Kenny” P. Martinez

Kenneth "Kenny" P. Martinez, 78 of Keokuk, IA passed away after complications with Leukemia on Monday, November 27, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, IA.

He was born October 16, 1945 in Keokuk, IA the son of Pedro and Alice Olvis Martinez. Kenny graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1964.

On February 27, 1965, Kenny was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Judy Lemon at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Keokuk. They celebrated fifty-eight years of marriage. She survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Tina Martinez, one son, Ken Martinez (Betsy) and five grandchildren, Cora, Maximo, Nakai, Sophia and Ilsa. He is also survived by two sisters, Juana Johnson of Eugene, OR and Diana Martinez of Keokuk, one brother, Robert Martinez of Centerville, IA, two sisters-in-law, Mary Lantz of Jacksonville, FL and Sharon Lemon of Keokuk, many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Toni Martinez, four brothers-in-law, Jim Lemon, Chuck Lantz, James Camper and Richard Johnson and one sister-in-law, Theresa Martinez.

He was a proud member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 91 for fifty-three years. He served for ten years as business agent for Local 91. He was a master craftsman specializing in pattern making and design.

Kenny was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, sports and spending time with his family. He never knew a stranger and made everyone feel welcome. Later in life, his greatest joy was being with his grandchildren. He was lovingly known as "Poppy" to his grandchildren. He was an enthusiastic fan of all his grandchildren's sporting and academic events. He also enjoyed making crafts for Hawthorne School and for his daughter's first grade classes in Vinton, IA.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, at All Saints Catholic Church with Reverend David Brownfield, Ph.D. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Friday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with family meeting with friends at that time.

Memorials may be made to Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice, to All Saints Catholic Church or to the donor's choice.