Fabian Martinez, 80, long time Deaf Smith County and Hereford resident died Friday, March 9, 2012 in Amarillo.

A Rosary is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 12 in Hereford Heritage Funeral Home Chapel of Memories at 411 E 6th Street, Hereford.

A Mass of Resurrection Burial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., March 13 at San Jose Catholic Church with Rev. John Valdez as Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Hereford Heritage Funeral Home.

Fabian was born January 20, 1932 in San Jon, New Mexico to Tobias and Vivian (Chacon) Martinez. He married the love of his life and best friend Flora Frances (Apodaca) Martinez on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1954 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. They moved to the Deaf Smith County and Hereford area in 1957 from San Jon, NM. Fabian was a member of the San Jose Catholic Church. He loved his Lord. Fabian was an avid reader. He liked to play and watch basketball. He also liked watching Mexican soap opera TV shows. Fabian liked his family reunions and spoiling his grandkids. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Fabian was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be missed by all who loved him.

Survivors include his wife of the home, 1 son Raymond Dennis Martinez of Hereford, 2 daughters Beatrice Reyna and husband Fidel of Hereford, Susie Gallardo and husband Pete, Jr. of Amarillo, 3 brothers Leonard Martinez of Albuquerque, NM, Edward Martinez and wife Levina of San Jon, NM, Larry Martinez, 3 sisters Janie “Juana” Lee of San Jon, NM, Josephine Lee and husband Stanley of San Jon, NM, Sally Martinez of Farmington, NM, 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Fabian was preceded in death by his parents, 1 daughter Virginia Martinez, 1 sister Rose Cordova, 2 brothers Fred and Gene Martinez and 1 granddaughter Jessica Martinez.

The family suggests memorials to BSA Hospice, P. O. Box 950, Amarillo, Texas 79105.

Express condolences and sign the on line guest book at www.herefordheritagefh.com