George Primitivo Martinez

May 18, 1948 - May 8, 2019

George Primitivo Martinez, age 70, of Lovilia, went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia, Iowa. George was born on May 18, 1948, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Flavio and Josie Martinez, brother to Gilbert Martinez and Phyllis Padilla. He was united in marriage to Josie Epperson and together they share 4 children, Angela, Gabriel, Tammy, and Matthew. George was kind, feisty, silly, strong, handsome, adventurous, & full of so much love and was never afraid to express his emotions! He loved to travel to see his family, especially his grandchildren who were his world. He lit up every room he entered with his happy and humorous personality! And His love & passion for His Savior Jesus was always evident! George’s ability to share God’s Word was a true gift from God. George loved the outdoors in every way, he loved to garden and especially loved flowers which brought him much joy. George is survived by his loving family including his wife, Josie Martinez of Lovilia; 4 children, Angela (Keith) Artis of Woodbridge VA, Gabriel Martinez of Albuquerque NM, Tammy Gomez of Tuczon, Arizona, and Matthew (Erica) Martinez of Lovilia; 8 grandchildren, Savannah Martinez, Calleigh Bunnell, Ronnie Lovato, Daniel (Cassidy) Bunnell, Rhiannon (Daniel) Sanchez, Elijah Martinez, Faith Martinez, and Apollo Artis; 1 great grandchild, Jameson Bunnell; a sister, Phyllis Padilla; and many brothers and sisters in Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Flavio and Josie; and a brother, Gilbert Martinez. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with George's family present to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. An open memorial has been established to the family.