David LeRouge Martinez

April 3, 1923 - January 20, 2012

David LeRouge Martinez, 88, of Ephrata, Washington, went to be with his Lord on Friday, January 20, 2012 at Central Washington Hospital in Wena-tchee, Washington, due to a massive heart attack. He was born to Louis and Julia Martinez in New Mexico on April 3, 1923, the second to the youngest of seven children. Dave entered the United States Army upon graduation from high school and served his country in Italy during World War II, earning numerous medals, including two Bronze Medals. His mother died while he was serving his country. After returning from the war he bought a house and had his father and youngest brother move in with him and he helped send his brother to college. Upon one brother’s death he helped raise his nieces and nephews. Having a friend who lived in Ephrata, he came to visit, and stayed. While working at Thriftway Thrift grocery store in Ephrata, he hired his future bride, Ann Compton. Moore Furniture saw the potential in this hard-working man and hired Dave, keeping him on staff for over 30 years. He retired in 2000. He and Ann had may happy years together, sending most of their winters in Laughlin, Nevada where many friendships were made. Dave was a very compassionate and caring man with an amazing memory and a contagious smile. He always asked if you needed money, as he would always offer what he had in his pocket, usually consisting of three to five cents. Being a shuttle was his second career, driving anyone around to get groceries, to make appointments, go out to eat, or just heading up to the casino. He was a man of great faith and was active in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Dave is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Ann Martinez of Ephrata; his son, Paul Martinez of Soap Lake, Wash.., and his grandson, David Martinez of Las Vegas, Nev. A Holy Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Ephrata. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012 at St. Rose, with graveside service to follow with Military Honors at the St. Rose Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon reception will follow at the church.