Pete Martinez

Casper native Pete Martinez passed from this life on Sunday, December 10th, 2017 at his winter home in Hockley, Texas. He was born to Pete and Isabel Martinez on May 20, 1961 and was soon joined by brother, Anthony and sister, Sandra. Pete loved his home state of Wyoming. When strangers saw him in his signature black cowboy hat they usually asked if he was from Texas. Pete always replied: "I'm from Wyoming, where Texans wished they were from." Pete will be remembered for his bigger than life personality, charm, big smile and generous heart as well as being a gifted musician and singer/songwriter. These traits along with his spectacular voice made him a much-loved country music star. Music was woven into the fabric of his extended family where the Ramirez and Martinez gatherings included guitars and many voices. At the age of four Pete joined in when he started playing the guitar. His voice with its rich timbre, has filled music halls, concert venues and churches around the world and has serenaded riders at trail ride campfires. His five albums, all recorded in Nashville will keep him alive in many households and on digital music players around the world. His song, "We Thank You" was written for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. He performed the song on Normandy Beach twice during D-Day remembrances. He was asked to write a song, which he titled "The Horse" for the movie "Horse Sense". These songs, along with his gospel album "In Gratitude", and his country music albums present a legacy of a man rich in talent and rich in heart. Passionate about music, family and friends, Pete focused on making a difference first to his family, then his community and then the world. His work in developing water resources in the West had an impact on numerous communities and his efforts to protect our country's critical infrastructure will continue to live on. Growing up, Pete developed a love for horses, the outdoors and being part of ranch culture. He learned to ride bulls along the way, went to school at the University of Wyoming and eventually moved to the Denver, Colorado area where he lived for the last 30 plus years of his life. He married Bonnie Vivian in 2015 and they made their home in Evergreen, CO and Hockley, TX. Pete and Bonnie cherished a strong family bond with his son, Ryan, Ryan's wife, Becky, and their children, Jadyn and Liam. Pete is survived and his passing mourned by his wife, Bonnie Martinez; his mother, Isabel; his brother, Anthony and his wife, Jolene; sister, Sandra Dixon,her husband, Dustin, and their children, Adrian and Hope Dixon; son, Ryan Stack, and his wife, Becky; and grandchildren, Liam and Jadyn Stack. Pete was preceded in death by his father, Pete Martinez. A Rosary will be said on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 7:00pm at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Fatima Church. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Platte River Revival, in Care of the City of Casper, 200 N. David St., Casper, Wyoming 82601. A Celebration of Pete's life will be held from 4-6:30 P.M. on Saturday, January 13, 2018, in the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel, 1111 14th Street, Denver, CO, 80202.

Service

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 10:00am

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82604

Visitation

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 7:00pm

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82604

Visitation

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 7:00pm

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82604