Gene Martinez

My husband Gene, the love of my life, also known to the Christian Motorcycle Association as Papa Smurf. Gene attended a funeral for a Christian Motorcycle Association member and it was at that moment Gene wanted to be a part of the Christian Motorcycle Association organization. Gene seen this as an opportunity to minister the word of God and he took the opportunity at a Christian Motorcycle Association meeting one evening and became a member and never looked back. Gene was an active member of Christian Motorcycle Association since 1997. Gene served as a chaplain for many years. Gene’s dedication, faithfulness, loyalty, steadfast, was his calling by GOD not only as a chaplain but a man of God who had the opportunity and pleasure of winning many souls to the kingdom of God. Gene’s heart was fulfilled by the many souls won and when he was able to minister freely and openly. Christian Motorcycle Association allowed him to do God’s work daily.

Gene found the best in every situation even when the enemy seemed to be lurking nearby. Gene and I had the chance to ride to Sturgis and minister. We sat up camp and went on our way to do God’s work and when we returned to camp a tree had fallen on our camp trailer it was a moment of do we let the devil win or do we laugh and continue to do what God brought us here to do? We laughed and continued on with God’s work. This is who Gene was. Nothing stopped him from doing God’s mission. The enemy will never win.

Gene and I were married 60 wonderful years. In our marriage God blessed us with two children, Carlos Bernadette. Our children blessed us with 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. Gene set the example not only to his children and grandchildren but everyone he came into contact with as an incredible, fantastic, humble, faithful, man of God. Gene was a man of integrity and a man of his word. When he said something he did it. Gene was a spiritual leader and his legacy will live on through the Christian Motorcycle Association witnessing and winning souls. Gene was known by his family as “Love of my life,” Daddy, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Pompo, we miss him so much. Gene has now graduated from this earth as our family says and is now on vacation in Heaven. We will all one day again see our PAPA SMURF in heaven. Gene loved and adored his Christian Motorcycle Association family.

Matthew 25:23: His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

Gene Martinez was a major part of the CMA chapter in Farmington, NM. He served as chaplain for many years and was a true blessing to us all by sharing his wisdom and love of the scriptures. Gene always wore a smile and could be counted on for a good laugh at any time. The many hours of setting at camp and working motorcycle rallies as the family of Christ, were precious to all.

Gene had many stories of his genuine expertise as a fisherman.....and also as a fisher of men. The stories were always encouraging and edified everyone. There were also stories like his motorcycle trailer coming loose and passing him on the highway. He very much enjoyed riding his Valkyrie for the Son! Gene was the patriarch of a large family and we shared time with them as well.

Anyone who had met and knew Gene was blessed. Thank you Lord for the time shared with Gene Martinez. Your Kingdom holds a true man of God. That is Gene's reward.

-Roy Morrow

I met Gene Martinez when we joined the SonShine Road Runners Chapter #291 in 2006.

He immediately became my mentor. He would help me in troubled times, help me through trials and teach me about scripture.

Him and his wife Mary were special to me and my wife. He was and will always be "Papa Smurf"!

I loved to sit and talk to him, listen to him teach God's word, and tell the many amazing stories he had to tell.

Today I can still hear him telling about how beautiful and peaceful heaven was. Someday I know we will see each other again.

Miss you Papa Smurf!

Kerry Eagle