Clair Palmer Martin

Clair Palmer Martin, 103, of Pacific Beach, California, passed from this earth into eternity, June 25th, 2024, completing a distinguished life as a World War II D-Day decorated veteran, husband, father, and friend.

Born in La Veta, Colorado on March 22, 1921, he was the youngest of four sons of Fenton and Clara Martin. He moved along with his family to California, where he spent his childhood and adult life. A graduate of Oceanside High School, he was a member of the football and track teams.

He met and married Maxine E. Roethler before leaving to serve in the U.S. Army during World War I1. On June 6, 1944, he was part of the Omaha Beach invasion in Normandy. He earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and French Legion of Honor Medal for his service.

After discharge from the military, he resumed to his career with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (ATT) until his retirement 41 years later. In addition, he was the longest active member of La Jolla Fellowship Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. He was also a member and past vice-president of his local Kiwanis club. In the 1990’s, he shared his account with his daughter regarding his experiences of D-Day which she turned into a short memoir, “Waves of War - A Memoir by C.P. Martin.” The book is available through Lulu.com, along with his story on video on You Tube.

He remained married to Maxine for 48 years until her death. In 2014, he married Martha Shannon, who was his wife for ten years until his passing. He enjoyed on-going relationships with her three adult children and grandchildren.

His daughter, Susan Martin, is a published author, ghost-writer, and award-winning video producer, who currently works with religious non-profit organizations in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area in Texas.

His Celebration of Life service will be August 29th, 2024, at the La Jolla Fellowship Church, located at the corner of Genter and Draper, in La Jolla at 1:00 PM.

A gift in his honor may be sent to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.