It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we the family of AURELIO JOSEPH MARTINEZ, aka, RAY MARTINEZ, age 48, lifelong resident of Las Cruces announce his passing on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at La Posada-Mesilla Valley Hospice. Ray, as he was known to all, was born July 8, 1975. He was employed as a custom car painter for Southwest Vintage Trucks and loved cruising and listening to oldies. Ray will be remembered for his sense of humor, contagious laughter, and huge personality. He was a member of the VFW, the Eagles and the Moose Lodge and was a #1 fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Those left to mourn his passing include his loving mother, Minerva Melendrez-Castillo (Eloy); his sister, Jessica Martinez all of Las Cruces; a daughter, Melissa Martinez of Rio Rancho; his maternal grandmother Mary Melendrez and his uncle and brother, Raymundo Melendrez (Dorian) all also of Las Cruces; his 2 nieces, Arianna, and Elisianna, as well as aunts and uncles. Ray was preceded in death by two daughters, Angelita, and April Faith; and maternal grandfather, Jose Isidro Melendrez.

Visitation for Ray will begin at 8:30 AM Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road. A Prayer Vigil will begin at 9:30 AM, with a Funeral Liturgy to follow immediately thereafter. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 100 N. Espina Street where he will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers will be Raymundo Melendrez, Sabino Ramirez, Iram Guzman, Anthony Gallegos, Raul Romero, Aaron Quezada and his loving niece, Arianna Conde.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com