Edward J. Martin

Edward James Martin passed into a better life on February 19, 2009 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and good friend to many he crossed paths with throughout his life. He was born October 29, 1929 in Mound City, South Dakota to Gottlieb and Rose (Buechler) Martin. He was raised in Moorehead, Minnesota and graduated from Moorehead High in 1948. From there, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, an event that shaped and influenced the rest of his life. He was a veteran of the Korean War, as well as the Chosin Resevoir, a legendary Marine engagement in the cold of winter in North Korea. Surviving that ordeal led him to believe that the rest of his life was a "bonus." Upon an honorary discharge from the Marines, he went on to graduate with a BS in Industrial Engineering from North Dakota State University, where he also excelled as a gymnist and track athlete. He married Marian Schmaltz on November 17, 1956, and graduated in 1957, where he began a distinguished 32-year career at Micro Switch, Division of Honeywell. During his tenure there, he and the family lived in Freeport (twice), Weaverville, North Carolina and Las Cruces, New Mexico. His favorite post with Micro was as Plant Manager of the Mars Hill, North Carolina manufacturing facility. Upon retirement, he re-established his interest in golf and wood-working, discovered the personal computer and became an active member of the Chosin Few, an alumni group of survivors of the Chosin Resevoir engagement. He re-established many friendships from his Marine Corps past. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marian, his son Mike of Lakewood, Illinois, his daughter Patricia (Donald) Novak, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, his sister Arlene (Ralph) Gibson of Redmond, Washington, and two grandchildren, Mikaela Novak and Sara Novak. He will be missed by all. Semper Fi Dad. A memorial mass to celebrate his life will be at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Msgr. John Anderson officiating. Inurnment of his cremains will follow at St. Frances Columbarium. The United States Marine Corp and the El Perro Diablos of Las Cruces will provide military honors In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Marine Corps League-- Det 1207, Wounded Warrior Program, 736 First Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910 (assisting wounded Marines and their families); or Honor Flight of Southern New Mexico, Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, 301 S. Church St., Suite H, Las Cruces, NM 88001 (an organization who sends WWII veterans to visit their memorial). PDF Printable Version