Sept. 17, 1926-Mar. 11, 2022
Ernest (Ernie) L. Martin, 95, of Greeley, died at home on Mar. 11, 2022. Ernie was born on Sept. 17, 1926, in Colorado Springs, CO, to Delbert and Viola (Hughes) Martin. He grew up in Albuquerque, NM, Halstead, KS, and Paris, TN. In 1950, he graduated from the University of Colorado (CU) with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. At CU he met Jean Meyer, who would become his wife of 60 years. Together, they built a successful McDonald’s franchise in northern Colorado. He earned his pilot’s license in high school, served in the Air Force as a jet interceptor pilot, owned and operated Martin Aviation, instruction and charter business, and continued to fly airplanes into his late eighties. He and Jean were longtime members of Trinity Episcopal Church. As philanthropists they supported numerous Weld County organizations, Colorado higher education institutions, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Ernie was an active member of Centennial Rotary since 1988. After Jean’s passing, Ernie spent his last years with his wife, Alice (Terry) Hastings Martin.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Terry; two daughters, Susan Martin Gould (husband, Mike), Sally
Martin, both of Colorado; sister, Peggy Gayle, Florida; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Bob Charles, Colorado; three grandchildren, Martine Gould, Jesse Mewes, and Aaron Mewes; two great grandchildren; two nieces; and four nephews.
Ernie is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; father and mother; son, Gregg Martin; sister, Joyce Ann Duncan; brother, Murray Duncan; and grandson, Nicholas Gould.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Mar. 26, 2022, at Trinity Episcopal
Church. In place of flowers, donations may be made in Ernie’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Weld Community Foundation, or Pathways Hospice. Please visit www.dignitymemorial.com to leave condolences and memories for the family.
Livestream link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89952454062?pwd=QmtJU1VsMDE4RU1yQ0FyaEZ6N3BjQT09
