Tony was born on September 4, 1947 in Vernon, Utah to Jackson "Jake" and Dorothy Martin. Tony was the second oldest of five children (Diane, Jack, Darlene, Denise). They grew up in Bethany, Oklahoma. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy during the Vietnam era.
He met his wife, Sherrill Shaw, while stationed in Virginia Beach, whom he married in San Diego in 1976. While stationed in Pearl Harbor, Sherrill served as a support leader for other navy wives, during his 12 year duration.
Tony held many jobs during his 26 years of service. He built bombs/mines, at various times he was an instructor (weapon systems), (electricity and electronics), (magazine sprinkler systems), (training other instructors to be instructors), Career Counselor, Shipboard inspector, and lastly the Operations Chief for Fleet Training Group. He was permanently stationed on 5 ships for a total of 12 years and 4 shore tours. After 26 years of service, he retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1990.
When he retired, he finished his education and received a masters degree in business administration at the University of Hawaii. Then they moved to Portland in 1993, where he became a social worker for the aged and disabled.
He liked to play poker, ride his motorcycle and spend time with family and friends. He also liked carpentry and was quite the gardener. He had 15 different types of roses in his rose garden!
Tony is survived by his brother, Jack Martin of Bethany, OK; sisters, Darlene (and Andrew) Adams of Bethany, OK; and Denise (and Greg) Dich of Ponder, TX; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Sherrill Shaw (2008); his parents Jake (1982) and Dorothy Martin (1984) and sister Diane Rogers (2007).
Tony was a kind, generous man and will be truly missed by all of his friends and family!
A special thank you to the VA medical home team, Sooner Hospice Team, most especially Shelley and visiting Angel's for all the love and care that they showed Tony.
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