Norman "Gene" Eugene Martin's Obituary
Norman E. “Gene” Martin
Born on January 23, 1935 - Birchtree, Missouri
Passed into his Savior's arms on July 22, 2014 - Columbia City, Oregon.
Gene graduated from Warrenton High School in 1953 at which time he joined the Naval Reserves where he served for ten years. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ferguson, in 1955. Gene's thirty-eight year airline career saw him as the station manager for West Coast Airlines in Astoria (1953-1965) to retiring as the manager of Northwest Airlines in Sacramento (1992). He then started all over, earned his general contractor's license and worked fourteen more years with a hammer in his hand.
With a dream in mind to take his bride of fifty years back to their home state, he retired for good in a home they designed and built overlooking the Columbia River. With the hammer put away, Gene picked up a fishing pole and clam gun and headed for the water. Gene's passion for salmon fishing knew no limit (well maybe a bag limit). The bounty of the Pacific Northwest was the pot of gold at the end of his rainbow and the quest for the perfect lure kept the hunt fresh and new.
Gene was blessed with four loving children: Lynn (Chris) Donner of Clatskanie, Oregon, Scott (Victoria) Martin of Weatherford, Texas, Jeffrey (Anne) Martin of Elk Grove, California, and Christopher (Stephanie) Martin of Sacramento, California. Gene (Papa) also has nine beloved grandchildren: Brian Wold (Rachel), Leslie (Matthew) Craig, Vincent Martin, Nicholas (Kaitlyn) Martin, Tyler Martin, Thomas Martin, Owen Martin, Ethan Martin, and Lucas Martin. And, is great grand-papa to Merryn and Finnley Craig.
Gene is the only son of Willard and Lola Martin (deceased) and big brother / hero to Judith (Robert) Bay of St Helens Oregon. He is Uncle Gene to Cheri, Brian, Teresa, Heidi, and Natasha.
Public viewing at Columbia Funeral Home, St. Helens, Thursday, July 24 from 4:00 – 5:30pm.
Graveside Service July 25 at 3:00 pm, at Ocean View Cemetery, Warrenton, Oregon. Memorial services at Warren Community Fellowship, Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 am.
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