Frank Albert Martin Jr.

In 1967 he enlisted to serve in the US Navy on the USS Klondike (AR 22) as an electrical repairman. He received a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged on October 17, 1972.

He met the love of his life, Sara in 1970. They married on January 04, 1972, in Reno, Nevada. They traveled often to Reno and Tahoe often during his lifetime.

He cherished the great outdoors, finding happiness in fishing, playing horseshoes, and baseball, and never missed a chance to make those around him laugh and smile—especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His gentle spirit and positive attitude were evident to all, as his 9-year-old great-grandson fondly recalled, “Grandpa Frank always had a great attitude.”

He always had a passion for music. He loved playing his guitar and dancing to a tune, blasting his music for all to enjoy. One of the best DJs of all time.

Frank was a patient and wise teacher, guiding many in learning to ride a bike and tackling challenging homework or projects. A simple and humble man, he remained true to his values throughout his life.

Frank was also a proud and loyal supporter of the San Francisco Forty-Niners and San Francisco Giants, rarely missing a game and always cheering on his teams.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Martin, Ramona and Frank Capaci, and his beloved great-granddaughter, Everlii Raine Joy Diaz. Frank is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sara Martin; siblings John Martin and Monica Jones (Sean); children Lorraine Nishihama (John), Scott Martin (Sherene), and Rachelle Mendez (John); grandchildren Robert Diaz (Lacee), Brittany Nava (Michael), Bree-Anne Lomeli (Sergio), Britney Ramirez (Osvaldo), Cynthia Nishihama (Ashley), Jordan Martin, Ericka Martin (Jerry), Cameron Martin, Owen Martin (Alejandra), Emmanuel Mendez, and Gabriela Mendez; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 AM at Bear Creek Community Church, 1717 E. Olive Ave., Merced, CA, on Friday, January 23, 2026. Following the services, a funeral procession will proceed to San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 West McCabe Rd., Santa Nella, California, for interment (1:00 pm). Family and friends are invited to join a reception with food at Bear Creek Community Church after the burial (3:30pm), where they can gather to remember, share stories, and celebrate Frank’s remarkable life.

Frank Martin will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, laughter, and love will live on through all who knew him.

In Christ there is no goodbyes….so dad, as you would always say when we parted "see you later alligator"…..until it's our turn to enter those Heavenly Gates….we all say "after a while crocodile" waving your precious 'hi sign' and will cherish the incredible memories you created especially for us.

"Later Kiddos!! Whoomp There it is!"