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MARTIN FACKLER Obituary



FACKLER, JR., MARTIN L.
Dr. Martin L. Fackler, Jr. M.D. passed away on May 23, 2015 in Gainesville. Born in York, PA on April 8, 1933, Dr. Fackler was a physician, surgeon and renowned specialist in wound ballistics. He received his Bachelors from Gettysburg College, and graduated with his Medical Degree from Yale University. He completed his residencies at the Naval Hospitals in Boston, and Bethesda in General and Plastic Surgeries, and completed his fellowship with the University of Hamburg in Germany.
During his 30 year military career, he was a Naval Staff Surgeon in Vietnam, Japan, and Germany, and Chief of Surgery in Memphis, TN, and Germany. After 15 years with the Navy, Dr. Fackler joined the Army where he was Chief of Surgery in Ft. Carson, CO and Staff Surgeon in San Francisco, CA. He was Director of the Wound Ballistics Laboratory at the Letterman Army Institute of Research in San Francisco until 1991, when he became an independent consultant to law enforcement and military officials worldwide, testifying as a wound expert in cases spanning the United States, Canada, England and Ireland.
He has been a member and leader of numerous distinguished organizations, among them the International Wound Ballistics Association, the French Wound Ballistics Society and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Dr. Fackler had numerous teaching appointments in Tennessee, Maryland, California, Florida, and France and was the author of over 300 publications in regards to wound ballistics, body armor, and treatment of injuries for both the military and civilian populations.
Outside of his profession, Dr. Fackler enjoyed flying, scuba diving, tennis and studying languages. He was active with the University of Florida, serving on Boards for the UF Foundation, UF Performing Arts, and College of Medicine, and was the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Achievement Award.
Marty is survived by his wife, Sandra Fox Fackler of Gainesville, stepson Eric Melching of Ponte Vedra, FL, family in Pennsylvania and friends across the country and world.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University of Florida Performing Arts, PO Box 112750, Gainesville, FL 32611.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 10:30 a.m., Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 NE 1st Street Gainesville, FL. A reception will follow in the Fackler Foyers at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts immediately following 3201 Hull Road Gainesville, FL.
Please visit his memorial page at
www.williamsthomas
funeralhome.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
(352) 376-7556

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gainesville Sun from May 31 to Jun. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for MARTIN FACKLER

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Mike Hagen

December 22, 2022

I had the honor of meeting Dr. Fackler in the early 1990s. He was a big influence on my interest in wound ballistics and did not hesitate to answer a bunch of silly questions from a newbie who was trying to learn. His willingness to do the research and challenge popular belief is an uncommon trait. He will be missed.

Lisa Gray

December 27, 2015

Sorrry to learn of my uncles passing on line. Marty was my Uncle with Aunt Nancy. I have many great memories growing up with him especially when he would take us to the beach. As an adult I enjoyed visiting him in Gainesville. Much love from the Grays

Bruce Krell

October 1, 2015

I came to know Marty as an e-mail buddy some time after he retired. I had an interest in wound ballistics. Although he didn't know me, he welcomed me with open arms -- even to the point of sending me his original 35mm slides which I digitized for him. What amazing trust on the part of someone who you have only met via e-mail. We corresponded over the years. I sent him writings about wounds and wound ballistics. He was more than happy to review and send me suggestions. He was also a pioneer in the history of wound ballistics. His articles provided the scientific and practical foundation for wound ballistics today. He was a super person and a really nice person.

Robert Thompson

June 8, 2015

Marty was always straightforward with the truth, no matter who was supported. I was always impressed with how he was always ready to help in any case I asked advice. The wound ballistics community will always be in his debt, and will miss him.

Dean Dahlstrom

June 3, 2015

Dr. Fackler inspired and influenced a generation of forensic firearms examiners in Canada. Marty you were a true friend to the RCMP.

Bob Parker

May 31, 2015

Great supporter of law enforcement and the military and a great friend.

Lloyd Bailey

May 31, 2015

Marty was a patriot and a friend who served and loved his country. We will miss him.

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Funeral services provided by:

Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown

404 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601

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