Thomas B. Martin

Thomas Bruce Hepburn Martin passed away peacefully in Englewood, Florida on February 10, 2025. Bruce, as he was called by those who knew him well, was born on November 30, 1926 in Windsor, Canada. He was the son of Gordon Martin of London, England and Amie Norford of Bow, England. He married Mary Roseline Percy on June 25, 1949. At the time of her death, they had been married for 65 years.

Bruce attended Lincoln High School in Ferndale, Michigan. He joined the Naval Air Force in 1944 and obtained his diploma while in the service. After discharge in 1946 he attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Over his lifetime Bruce held a variety of occupations, eventually forming his own business supplying plastic parts to the major car companies headquartered in the Detroit area.

Bruce and Mary raised seven children; Pamala Levin (Mark), Thomas Martin (Suzanne), Christine McDermott (Vince), Susan Pindell (Harry), Steven Martin, Jonathan Martin and Alan Martin. Over the years, his family continued to grow with the addition of 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. As well as loving and taking great care of his family, he adored his dogs, Oscar and Yoda, his close companions after Mary passed away.

The time spent in the Naval Air Force at the end of World War II greatly shaped his life. Bruce considered himself fortunate to be stationed in the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale for basic training. He participated in the search and rescue efforts for “Flight 19”, the training aircrafts that were mysteriously lost in the “Bermuda Triangle”. He spent hours flying over the ocean and Everglades on combat aircraft which eventually led to his love of Florida and his dream to one day have a home there.

In 1985 Bruce and Mary purchased a home in Englewood, Florida. They spent their time between their home in Milford, Michigan and wintering in Florida for over 30 years. Bruce loved fishing and golfing most often at Myakka Pines Golf Club where he shot two holes-in-one, golfing until he was well into 95 years old. He entertained his family who visited often, with beach days, fishing excursions, and trips to the Disney Parks.

Bruce was blessed to be with loving family and friends the last days of his life. He will be missed.

Burial with honors will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on Friday March 28, 2025 at 11:00 am.