Delmar Martin Jr.

Delmar Leroy Martin August 11, 1937-September 1, 2014 We regret to announce that Delmar Leroy Martin, JR. passed away at Three Rivers Hospital on Monday, 1st of September. He was born on August 11, 1937 to Delmar and Gladys (Morrison) Martin in Rolling Prairie, Indiana. From his youth Delmar was an avid and marksman, a life long commitment, leading to numerous certificates and awards of which he was extremely proud. He was also a member of the local civil air patrol while at school. Delmar graduated from LaPorte High School in 1956 and immediately enrolled in the United States Marine Corps aviation program. During basic training he was awarded certificates for outstanding marksmanship, and being an outstanding member of his platoon. He served initially as an aviation technician in the Marine Black Knights Squadron followed by tours of duty in Tai-Wan, and Japan before spending his final two years as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps detachment at the US Embassy in London. While in London he married Sonia Sneiman before returning to Cherry Point, N.C. where his daughter Amber was born. The couple moved back to England upon Delmar's discharge from the Marine Corps, and he joined a family business selling high-end cars to the military, prior to moving into private security for the business sector in London. In 1972 the couple divorced and he married Maria Bryson who later died. He shifted his focus towards helping youth and spent the next 18 years as a youth sports coach, a youth counselor and eventually youth center manager in his local borough of Walthamstow. He retired from that post in 1991. In March 1991, he married Susan McLeod in London, and shortly thereafter the family moved to Three Rivers to become carers for the Martin seniors while he worked as a realtor for several local companies. He also enrolled as a reserve deputy for the St. Joseph County Sheriff's department and did the county liquor inspections for several years. In 1996, Delmar was elected Supervisor of Fabius Township, where he served for nearly 8 years prior to his retirement from that post in 2004 but he retained his interest in public policy standing for State Representative, County Sheriff and most recently County Commissioner, and although he did not win, he enjoyed the race. He was a strong believer in the rights of the taxpayer. He was predeceased by his parents, Gladys and Delmar, his sister Barbara Perz, his nephew Donald Martin and his favorite uncle Skeezix Morrison. Delmar Leroy Martin, leaves behind to mourn him, his wife Susan, daughters, Anne in Three Rivers, and Amber (Ian) Mackmurdie in England, his brother Donald (Joyce) in Kissamee, FL, nephew Denis (Karen) Martin of LaPorte, IN, and niece Denise in Florida. Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN. A Graveside Service will be held, at Oak Grove Cemetery, on Monday October 13, 2014 at 1:00 pm with Pastor JoEllyn Chadwick officiating. Burial of Ashes will be conducted in the cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Delmar Leroy Martin Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.