The family of John Joseph "Marty" Martin have invited the PGR to attend his funeral service and military honors; we would be honored to do so.
Marty passed away August 8, 2019 due to complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). He was 67 years young. Marty was born in Aberdeen, Maryland, on December 23, 1951 to Richard and Eliza Martin.
Marty graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1970, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971. During his 20 years of Honorable Service, Marty served in Guam and Okinawa until 1979, then was stationed at N.A.S. Fallon, Nevada where he served as a Career Counselor and was later assigned to the Bombing Range. While on leave in Fairfield, California, he met the love of his life, Lynn, on a blind date and instantly knew he was going to marry her. Five months later, on New Year’s Day 1980, he proposed to Lynn. They were married February 24th. During the first year of duty at N.A.S. Fallon, Marty secretly took classes with Father Gallagher to convert to Catholicism. He surprised Lynn with this decision, and they were soon remarried in the Catholic Church, with Fr. Gallagher officiating. In 1983, Marty reported to the U.S.S. Wabash home port, Long Beach Naval Yard where he served until 1987. During his service on the Wabash, Marty was made Chief Petty Officer. He was transferred to China Lake Naval Weapons Center in 1987 and worked in Naval Intelligence at Michelson Laboratory. While stationed at China Lake, Marty was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer. After 20 years of active duty military, Marty retired in 1991.
After his military service, he worked as a Security Guard at China Lake until 1995. He then transferred to Public Works Transportation until he retired in July of 2018. Marty was an active member of the Knights of Columbus since joining in 1989. He served as Grand Knight and was involved in many of their activities; especially Sunday night bingo. He served as Hall Manager until July 2019. He was very passionate about the Hall and spent countless hours making sure it was running smoothly – just as any Navy Senior Chief would! He cared very deeply for his fellow Knights and everything the Knights represented. Marty was a die-hard Green Bay Packer and New York Yankee’s fan! He held Monday Night Football at the Knights Hall for 20 years where he hosted yearly Super Bowl parties.
Marty is preceded in death by his father, Richard Houghton Martin, and his stepfather, John Williams. Marty is survived by his loving wife, Lynn, whom he was married to for 39 wonderful years; his daughters Debbie, Donna, Katie, and Theresa; son Brian; and his greatest treasures--7 grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church services to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Friday, 6 Sept 20190950 - Stage @ Holland & Lyons Mortuary 216 S. Norma St Ridgecrest Ca. 93555
https://goo.gl/maps/XNmNvCfoTgx1010 - Mission briefing
1020 - Flag line as we transfer Hero to coach
1030 - Depart to Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203
https://goo.gl/maps/kKmX11230 - Arrive Bakersfield National Cemetery
1300 - Establish Flag Line as our Hero is transferred from coach to shelter for service and Military Honors
R/C Greg "Drifty" Vincent
SOCAL PGR Ride CaptainSliick333@msn.com
1-760-371-5467
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
