Mr. Donald Clarence Martin, age 64 of Norfolk, NY, passed away on January 29th at the Canton Potsdam Hospital where he had been a patient since January 23rd. Arrangements for cremation are with the Garner Funeral Service. Donald will be buried with his family in Texas. Condolences can be shared @www.garnerfh.com.
Among his survivors are his wife Loretta Gardner Martin and 14 brothers and sisters back home in Texas.
Donald was born on December 22, 1954 to Sylvester Martin and Christine Kirby in a small little Texas town that no longer exists. He grew up in poverty. He and his family lived in an Army tent and relied on a nearby stream for water. Donald served three years in the United States Navy. He enlisted after the draft. He wanted to serve his country. He had to convince his mother to let him do so and he was able to sail all around the world on the USS Enterprise. After his honorable discharge he returned to Texas and worked in the oil industry for Big Dog Industries in Lanora, TX. After getting married to his wife, Loretta Gardner, they decided to move to the North Country in 2011 and lived in Norfolk until his passing.