Marvin Owen Martin

Marvin Owen (Marty) Martin, 84, of Surprise, Az., died June 11, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. Marty was born Oct. 8, 1935 in Akron, Oh., the youngest of 3. Showing restlessness at a young age, Marty enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Spending his first year at a radar installation on frozen St. Lawrence Island, Marty was given his choice of station. Having made his choice, the Air Force decided his choice was Kingman, Az. Disembarking the train at midnight in Kingman, Az., he was ready to hitchhike right on out of there. Deciding Kingman was probably better than a stockade, he stayed. In Kingman he met the love of his life, Jewel 'Sandi' Sansom. After discharge from the Air Force in 1959, Marty stayed in Kingman, marrying Sandi in May of 1960 and raising 3 kids (Craig, Eric & Tia).

At the age 45 Marty decided to go back to school. Earning his degree with honors, as a Behavioral Therapist. Marty accepted a position with The Meadows in Wickenburg, Az. At The Meadows, Marty found his niche. Excelling in his various roles, Mary was instrumental in the implementation, as well as becoming the first "Director of Work Shops". Upon retirement, Marty's restlessness led him to take a part time position at the Soroptimists or as he put it, "I've never worked so hard for minimum wage" job. Being a social butterfly though, he enjoyed it immensely. Being able to meet so many different folks suited him to a tee and he was never afraid of hard work.

Marty is survived by his bride of 60 years, Sandi, Son Craig & Daughter Tia Laferriere. Grandchildren, Erica Trusty, Kaitlin Martin, Kari Laferriere, Caden Laferriere. Great Grandchildren, Madison Trusty & Sam Trusty, as well as numerous nieces & nephews. Last but not least, his dog Jake. Marty is preceded in death by his Parents John & Elnora, Brother Eugene, Sister Mary, his Son Eric, and Granddaughter Kristen Laferriere.

Marty loved racing, Jazz and visiting with friends or meeting new people. Whether working on or around the house, riding his bicycle in the morning, Marty was extremely active right up to the time he was struck down by Covid-19. Marty was equal parts rounder, worker, lunatic, but his life was his family. He loved his family so. He will be missed by those that knew him. He will be grieved by those that loved him.