Joseph Brent Martin

Joseph “Joe” Brent Martin, 78, of Morro Bay, California, formerly of Hulbert, Michigan, passed away on March 24, 2026. Joe was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, but spent the majority of his childhood in Hulbert, MI. Money was scarce and everyone worked hard, but the place shaped him with the values he carried all his life — honesty, grit, loyalty — and it was there he forged many life long friendships.
Joe graduated from Newberry High School, Class of 1966, and in 1967 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam. During his service he was exposed to Agent Orange, which later contributed to the many health challenges he faced throughout his life. After being honorably discharged in 1971, Joe made California his home. That same year, he married the love of his life, Anne “Gaye” Auger, in Huntington Beach. Together they welcomed three children and later moved to Cambria, California.
Joe loved practical jokes, good stories, and the simple pleasure of making people laugh or getting a rise out of them. He will be remembered for his sharp humor, his stubborn strength, and an unmistakable, unforgettable laugh. If he teased you, you were family. If he said “Oh, bullshit,” you knew he was calling you out to the truth as he saw it. Beneath the gruff exterior was a deeply kind, protective man who showed up for the people he loved — every time, without hesitation.
He and Gaye opened their home to their children’s friends during their high school years, offering a safe place to stay for anyone who needed it. He was a second father to many of his children’s friends, including Jason London, Ben Graves, and Natalie Bassetti, who remained close to him throughout his life.
As Joe’s health declined, his children and grandchildren stood by him with steady love and unwavering care. They ensured he had comfort, dignity, and companionship every step of the way, and their devotion brought him peace in his final years.
Joe is survived by his children — Matthew “Matt” Martin, Jennifer “Jenna” (Robert) Marcano, and Clint Martin. Joe and Robert shared a special relationship that Joe valued throughout his life. Jenna (as Joe called her “his favorite pain in the ass”) took care of Joe’s medical needs and was his strongest advocate throughout his final days, and Clint remained devoted to his dad, sharing a Friday lunch tradition that became especially meaningful in Joe’s later years.
Joe’s grandchildren — Grant Martin, Téa Marcano, and Graelyn Marcano — were the light of his life. They brought him immense pride, joy, and endless stories to brag about. They lovingly called him “Grandpa HoHo,” a name that captured his playful spirit and the laughter he shared with them.
He is also survived by his former wife, Anne “Gaye” Walker of Bend, Oregon, with whom he shared a special friendship and a lasting love and respect throughout his life.
He leaves behind his siblings — Diana Pingatore of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Carol (Joe) Kress of Elkmont, AL; Bill (Carla) Martin of Big Rapids, MI; Jack (Natalie) Martin of Brant, MI; Myna “Minie” (Fred) Marshall of Rochester Hills, MI; and Ruby (Steve) Squire of Angola, IN — along with many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Joe dearly. Joe was especially close to his niece Michelle “Micky” Rogers, his nephew Clif “Bubby” Martin, and his niece Melissa “Missy” Jacona, and he held a special place in their hearts as well.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John and Donna (Tindall) Martin, and by his infant brother, Paul.
In keeping with his wishes, Joe will be cremated. A VA government headstone will be placed at Hulbert Cemetery in Hulbert, Michigan, near his parents, where family and friends may visit and honor his life.