Cover photo for Donald L. Martin's Obituary
Donald L. Martin Profile Photo
1922 Donald 2012

Donald L. Martin

June 23, 1922 — February 22, 2012

Don Martin was born June 23, 1922, in Westhope, ND, to Samuel and Grace (Cade) Martin. His education was at Brander Consolidated High School and as a youth was active in 4-H Club.

Don attended NDSU for a short time, and then enlisted in the US Navy. He served as a Diesel Engineer aboard an amphibious landing ship the USS-LST 325. He served for 27 months in the European Theater and also took part in the African Campaign. Don participated in the D-Day landings at Sicily, Italy and Normandy. He finished his service aboard a minesweeper in the Pacific and was honorably discharged on December 26, 1945.

Don married Esther P. Butler, at Bantry, ND, on April 9, 1950, and they raised two children together. Don proudly served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop #559. He spoke fondly of his Scouts and of the twenty years he served with them, during which time he was presented the Silver Beaver Award. He served on the Executive Board of the BSA Great Plains Council. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he held various offices including Ruling Elder. Esther died in July, 1980.

Don married Margaret Conlon of Dickinson, ND, on June 4, 1983. After Don retired from farming, they moved to Bismarck, ND. During that time he sang with the Northern Lights Chorus and the First Presbyterian Church Choir of Mandan, ND. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling and took many trips together. They frequently gathered with Don's Navy buddies with whom Don stayed in contact over the years.

In the presence of his family, Don died peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at Bethany on University, Fargo, ND, at eighty-nine years of age.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret, Fargo; daughter, Kathleen (Tim) Wilmot, Melbourne Australia; son, Dr. Richard E. (Cheri) Martin, Moorhead, MN; stepsons, Kim (Lynn) Conlon , Bismarck, Gary (Deb) Conlon, Dickinson, ND, and Robin (Rhonda) Conlon, Apex, NC; stepdaughters, Kathy (Gerald) Henry, Westhope, Sheri (Mike) Emch, Bowman, ND, and Sandy Howard, Fargo; sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Preceding Don in death were his first wife, Esther; two brothers, Leonard and Maurice; sister, Elizabeth (Oswald) Noraker; and grandson, Brent Martin.

To honor Don's passion for scouting, consider memorials to Northern Lights Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Visitation for Don will be Monday, February 27, 2012, from 5 - 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.

His funeral will be Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 2 PM, in Mavis Whiting Chapel, Bethany on University.

Burial will be in Westhope Cemetery, Westhope, in the spring.



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