Daniel R. Martinez

Birth: January 29, 1933 | Died: October 17, 2024

Daniel R. Martinez, 91, was born January 29, 1933, in Orange, California to Charles and Katherine (Romero) Martinez. He was one of 14 siblings and spent his childhood in Orange, surrounded by orange fields and childhood friends that would remain life-long friends. Danny graduated from Orange High School and took college classes and played football at Orange Coast College. Danny joined the Army in 1954 serving for 2 years. He often bragged about his unusual military service – playing football and serving as a lifeguard on the base beach in Guam. He was fortunate to travel while in the Army because of his sports, including to Japan and the Philippines. Danny married Stella Avaloz in 1954. They established a home in Anaheim where they raised two children, Danelle and Matthew. They later divorced. Danny joined the City of Anaheim Water Department working there for 8 years. He then started his dream career in law enforcement with Anaheim PD, working for more than 15 years in several capacities including Detective. Danny later joined the Orange County District Attorney’s office as a Criminal Investigator. He spent much of his career working Major Crimes/Homicides. Danny retired from County service in November 1991, but he was not ready to stop working. He worked as a private investigator for defense attorneys, was part of Robbery Suppression teams at banks in Los Angeles that were frequent robbery targets and had the unique opportunity to provide security for the media at the OJ Simpson trial. Danny met Connie Draxler while working at the Fullerton courthouse. They shared more than 30 years together and enjoyed watching sports, traveling, wine tasting and hosting family get togethers with his BBQ ribs frequently on the menu. For the past 15 years Danny and Connie enjoyed their second home in Carlsbad where Danny was close to his “blue Pacific.” Danny is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Katherine Martinez, siblings, Martha Morales, Martin and Charles Martinez (twins), Helen Martinez, Gloria Martinez, Benny Martinez, David Martinez, Eddie Martinez, Judy Rios, Ernie Martinez, and Lawrence Martinez (died as a baby). Danny is survived by his life partner, Connie Draxler; children, Danelle Kelley, and Matthew Martinez; grandchildren, Michelle Kelley, Steven Kelley, Henry (Hank) Kelley, Samantha Hernandez (Oscar Hernandez), Christina Kelley, and Danielle Kelley (Eddie Ibarra) ; great grandchildren Penelope Ibarra Kelley and Andrea Hernandez; siblings Tina Franco (Robert Franco) and Tim Martinez (Alta Martinez) and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.