Ranchers, bankers, ball players, teachers and farmers joined the extended family of Joe R. Martinez on Monday morning as the Jayton mayor was laid to rest.
Martinez died March 4 following a brief bout with Covid-19 complications. He had been elected in 2019 as the first Hispanic mayor of Jayton and had filed for reelection, unopposed, in the May 1 election.
At the half-hour graveside service in the Jayton Cemetery, some two hundred people stood during prayers and eulogies both thoughtful and humorous, followed by friends and family singing together the Kris Kristoffersen favorite “One Day at a Time” in English and Spanish.
The officiant was a deacon friend of Martinez. Pallbearers were six of Joe’s former colleagues, several from his years working with Exxon and Mobil oil companies.
“Joe was one great guy,” they all agreed.
In action related to the office of mayor, Jayton city secretary Michele Fager explained that by virtue of running unopposed, Martinez had been officially reelected; at the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, council may appoint mayor pro tem Wyvonne Spray, or another council member, to fill the unexpired current term and the successive two-year term.
The May 1 election will proceed with only the three council offices.
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