Eugene Milton Martin

In Memory of Eugene Milton Martin

Eugene M. Martin passed away July 20, 2016. He was born June 24, 1927, in The Dalles, Oregon. His father and mother were Bernard Miner Martin and Adeline Marie (Christensen) Martin. He lived most of his life in The Dalles except for a year or two in 1935-36, when the family moved to Shaniko, Oregon. He graduated from The Dalles High School in May, 1945 and entered the Navy the following month. He was Honorably Discharged from the Navy in 1946. He worked at various service stations and in 1946 bought a service station which he operated for about 3 years. He then worked at a service station in The Dalles before working for the Union Pacific Railroad in The Dalles and Portland, Oregon.

Gene married Roberta K. Homer, his only girlfriend, May 6, 1950, in The Dalles. A few months later they moved to Spokane, Washington, where he went to a trade school until he started a 6-year apprenticeship in the composing room at the Spokesman Review newspaper.

Gene and Roberta left Spokane in 1957. He then worked various places in the Northwest until settling down in Bremerton, Washington to work at the Bremerton Sun. He then worked at Bremerton Printing Company and later at Dickson-Fletcher Printing. In 1966 they moved to Port Orchard where he lived until he passed away. His father (1975) and mother (1994), preceded him in death, also his older brother, Bernard Vincent Martin (2007) and a younger brother Gerald Edward Martin (1946), who drowned while working on the river boats on the Columbia River.

His wife, Roberta, passed away in 2005 after 54 years of marriage. In June, 1972, their marriage was Sealed in Utah at the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an active member of the LDS church and served in many capacities. His first calling was as Scout Master, then YMMIA President, Bishopric Counselor, Stake Mission Leader and other callings but he served for the longest time as a Ward Clerk seeking out members who recently moved to the area and welcoming them to church. He also served in the Seattle Temple in Bellevue, Washington, which he loved doing.

Gene is survived by his 6 children: Jerry (Kami Kyle), Rogene Clements (Mike), Cheryl (Lisa Paea), Ann Perkins (Dennis), Duane (Sandi), Pam (Pete Loch), 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3877 SE Mullenix Road, Port Orchard, Washington. He will be intered next to his wife at Sunset Lane Memorial Park in Port Orchard. Donation may be made to LDS Humanitarian Aid or to your favorite charity.