John L. Martin

John Lowell Martin watched his last sunset on Friday, October 2, 2015. He was surrounded by his family in the home that he built and loved. He came into this world on September 24, 1935, in Hamilton, Iowa. He moved to Phoenix in 1940 with his parents, Clarence and Grace. He attended Phoenix Union High School. He met the love of his life, Dorothy, at the Polar Bar Drive-In Restaurant in 1954, they were married in 1956. He worked at the Ice House, while attending Arizona State University and graduated in 1957. He then worked at Kraft Auto and went on to turn that into the very successful Engine Supply Inc., the largest engine remanufacturing company in the Southwest. During this time he was also President of the Production Engine Remanufacturing Association (PERA). After 30 years and a Parkinson’s diagnosis, he retired to spend time with his family and friends. He loved to travel and took many amazing trips with his wife and family. Life was an adventure he lived to its fullest. He was always up for a game of ping pong, horse shoes, or pool. He loved boating, waterskiing, motor biking, bodysurfing, snow skiing, and was usually good at everything. He always had a project and continued be active throughout his life. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Dorothy Ann Martin, his boys Mark Martin, Michael Martin (Sandy), and Jay Kyle Martin (Saratina), grandkids Mackenzie, Jake, Jared, Grace, Jack, great-grandchild Ashlee, brothers Carl and Paul. He is preceded by his parents Clarence Lowell Martin and Grace Elizabeth Martin, and sisters Mary Martin and Janet Cook. His best friend since grade school, George Sorenson, followed him to Heaven ten hours later and everyone who knows them will know it’s “Wednesday Night”! They will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.