Lewis S. Martin, affectionately known as Lewie, was born on July 17, 1944, to Smith and Opal (Lyon) Martin. The youngest of five children, Lewie passed away peacefully at home on the morning of May 26, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Elden (Hester Mauth) and Roland Martin (Esther Mauth), his sister Oma (Merlin Ringle) and his grandson Krae David Martin.

Lewie is survived by his sister Esther Mae (Gary Curley), three children: Lawrence (Janell Booth) of La Jara, CO; Laura Lee of Alamosa, CO; and Wesley (Terri Elffner) of Fort Collins, CO. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Kaitlynn (Christopher Martin), Kelcey, Kendrick Martin, Ashley Holman Johnson (Shane), Jestin Holman (Katelyn), Jared Holman (Dara), and Logan Martin, along with several great-grandchildren, including Kolten, Kaysen, Trace, Tyson, Koy Johnson, Ryker, Riddick, Rhya Holman, and Riata, Hayes, and Rorie Jane Holman. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends.

In his early years, Lewie attended school in Waverly, where he met Jane Carroll at a square dance in seventh grade. He often recounted telling his mother that he had met the girl he would marry that night. He attended Alamosa High School, where he developed a passion for basketball, a talent he passed on to his sons and grandsons. He was also on the AHS track team. Lewie helped his dad farm and also worked for his future father and mother-in-law at Carroll's Food Products, which was then located where the current Chili's restaurant is in Alamosa. Old timers may remember Carroll's donuts and potato chips.

Lewie enjoyed hunting with his brother Roland and friend Bobby Russell, recounting stories of the miles of ground he had covered over the years on and around Greenie, Silver, and Pintada mountains in the San Juan Mountain range. After graduating from Alamosa High School in 1962, he attended Adams State College. Amidst the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He attended basic training in San Diego where it was quickly found he had a proficiency in firearms. He was awarded the Marine Corps Qualification Badge: Rifle Expert and Pistol Marksman. He was very proud of the time that he served as a Marine but sadly for him, he was given an honorable discharge in October, 1965 due to a new Reactive Airway Disease diagnosis.

Upon returning to Alamosa, Lewie married his high school sweetheart in 1965, Jane Carroll. He and Jane bought a little house in Monte Vista by the Stampede grounds. He obtained a job at San Luis Valley Rural Electric working various positions including lineman and customer service. He liked to discuss with his children and friends the various electrical lines that he helped erect in the San Luis Valley. He then built a house west of Monte Vista. But, with a growing family, after a few years, the couple decided to purchase a farm south of town where they raised various farm animals, alfalfa and grain crops. During this time, he was also active with the Colorado Mounted Rangers, a volunteer law enforcement agency and the Monte Vista Jaycees.

In 1976, Lewie and Jane purchased Skyline Lodge in Platoro, Colorado. The stables were later rebranded Conejos River Outfitters. These businesses brought numerous lifelong friendships and allowed him to share his love of the outdoors with many. During the winters, he worked for the Colorado Department of Transportation, plowing snow on Cumbres/La Manga Pass. After selling the business and a divorce, Lewis worked construction in Texas, drove a truck for Ashton Truck Lines, and was a Conejos County Sheriff Deputy. He changed jobs and became the Field Training Officer and Road Sergeant for Alamosa County Sheriff Department for several years. After he retired from the sheriff department, he drove a semi-truck for BECO, a company that contracted for the United States Postal Service. In 2014, he was forced into permanent retirement due to injuries sustained in a significant trucking accident. He stayed active providing security on the Alamosa- La Veta train. It was a job he thoroughly enjoyed where he met a lot of celebrities and new friends.

Lewie's later marriages included Leslie Yohn, with whom he was a stepfather to April, Richard, and Cliff, and subsequent marriages to Gayle Walsh and Virginia Hardy McKnight. Judy Queen was a treasured companion up until her health required her move to lower altitude.

Living nearly 81 years, Lewie filled his life with rich experiences and many cherished friendships. He deeply loved his friends and family and took immense pride in his children and grandchildren's achievements. Known for his warm smile and firm handshake, Lewie will be missed by all who knew him.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at the Alamosa Elks Lodge B.P.O.E.#1297, 406 Hunt Avenue, on June 18th from 4pm to 8pm. Dinner will be provided. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the San Luis Valley Cemetery in his name.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes for Lewie's family, or words of comfort, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com