Thomas Leonard Martinez

Thomas Leonard Martinez, 87, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 24, 2010, while at home and surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born on February 27, 1923 in Redlands, California, where he lived his entire life. Thomas was a WWII veteran who served for 10 months in the European Theater and fought with the 18th Calvary Mechanized Reconnaissance Squadron in the famous Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he returned to Redlands, where he worked as a wholesale produce distributor with L&M Produce. After retirement, he continued to work for the United States Forestry Service for several years. Thomas is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marie Y Martinez, and his four children, Tom, Sandra, Reno, and William. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 6 at 11:00 AM at Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel, with graveside service immediately following at Redlands Hillside Memorial Park A reception will be held at the American Legion Post #650 following the services.