John Murray Martin II, decorated veteran
John Murray Martin II, 50, passed away January 8, 2014, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Born March 10, 1963 in Grand Forks, N.D. to the late Lt. Col. John M. Martin , MIA, and the late Mary Josephine Horsey Lea Spieker, "Tina," John spent most of his youth in Dover. He graduated from San Diego High School in San Diego, Calif. in 1982 and subsequently joined the Air Force in October, 1982. Upon graduating from basic training, John attended technical training for Ground Radio Communications at Kessler Air Force Base, Miss., where he was a distinguished graduate. This specialty would take him around the world installing communication systems.
During his career in the Air Force, he was stationed at multiple duty stations to include Sacramento, Calif. in 1983, Incirlik AFB in Adana, Turkey in 1988, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nev. in 1991. It was while he was stationed in Nevada that he would be sent unaccompanied for a year to Osan AFB, Republic of Korea in 1996. After Korea, he relocated to Pope AFB, North Carolina. His last duty station would take him back home to Dover in 2001, where he finished out his career at Dover AFB. He would retire there as a master sergeant in 2008 after 26 years of distinguished service.
While John was in the armed services he found his services needed in many foreign countries such as Kandahar, Kuwait, Qatar, Kirkuk, Iraq and Afghanistan. He received many commendations and awards. He took great pride in his service to his Country and continued this dedication to his commitment to the VFW Legion in Ingleside, Texas.
John married Michelle Ann Mclaughlin in Pekin, Ill. in September of 2011. They were happily married for two and a half years. They would make their final home in Ingleside, Texas. John loved the ocean, so this would be a perfect home for them. John was a voracious reader as he loved books of all genres, horror movies, hard rock music, the great outdoors, and a good cup of coffee. He was once pulled over while riding his bike to work, for doing this while drinking a cup of coffee, reading a book, and smoking a cigarette. This vignette embodies the simple pleasures that John enjoyed and speaks to the essence of who John was. John was a loyal friend to all who knew him and was always willing to aid in any way needed to help his friends.
John was preceded in death by both his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle of Ingleside; his children, Derek (Amanda Ridgeway) Martin of Delaware, John (Unique Ramirez) M. Martin III, of Arkansas and Heather Martin of Illinois. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Ryan, Zachary, Ashley and Chelsea Stoehr, all of Illinois; four older sisters, Cindy A. Watson of Valdosta, Ga., Dr. Jessie J. Martin of Erie, Pa., Kathy H. Martin of Bridgeville and Pat L. Martin of Byrdstown, Tenn;. three grandchildren, Dylan J. Martin, Ethan Nethanial, and John M. Martin IV; and stepgrandchildren, Emma and Kingston. John is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jessica Ward, Jonathan Ward, Aaron Wayson, Sgt. Jordan Wayson (Army Ranger), Sarah Wayson, and Hannah Wayson. His ex-wife and mother of his children, Debbie Lequia, and by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and many other relatives and friends who mourn his loss, celebrate his life and will miss him deeply.
A memorial service celebrating John’s life was held in Texas Jan. 12, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at noon, Friday, May 2, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State St, Dover. Interment with military honors will follow In Laurel Hills Cemetery, Laurel. Life’s End Services are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director Inc. Dover.
