David Keene Martin

David Martin Obituary

Martin, David Keene
81 of Phoenix, passed away on December 12, 2009. He was a son of Donald McKenzie Martin and Mary (Wilson) Martin. Brother of deceased Nancy Lee Martin. David leaves his wife of 57 years, Dorothy (Watson) Martin, sons David Kevin and Michael Craig (Cathy), brother Donald Mercer Martin (Glenda), one niece and two nephews and their families, all of Tucson. David was born in Phoenix, attended grammar school, high schools in Phoenix and Woodbury College in Los Angeles, California. David served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War in 224th Infantry Regiment of 40th Division from 1950 until 1952 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He worked at Phoenix Marine Supply Co. in the early 1950's. Owned and operated a photography studio for several years, was employed at and retired from in 1984, Aviation Specialties of Sky Harbor which later moved to Falcon Field. David had interests in hunting/fishing/boating/water skiing/flying and especially coaching his son Mike's Little League team at Madison #2 School in Phoenix. He attended Four H Horse events with his son David who participated many times riding his quarter- horse. He never missed a Roadrunner Hockey team "at-home" game. His interest in the history of the Civil War prompted traveling to all Civil War Battlefields. He had a great interest in genealogy and Arizona history. David lived a good, clean, loyal life and is already dearly missed. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice of the Valley in David's name. Closed service. A private family memorial planned for a later date. Arrangements entrusted to A. L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Martin

8 Entries

Kael Payne

January 15, 2010

When I was little munchkin I remember David teaching me pool, although I never quite mastered it. He would have me read aloud to him and always had me explain to him when words were used, like "She cries out, so she was crying?" and I would laugh and say, "no, she was saying it loud!". He took me ice skating and even though I could barely keep my ankles off of the ice he would chase me around the rink telling me a bear was coming for me! He was a wonderfully loving and generous man who will be dearly missed. Even though our family moved from Arizona I have never let him out of my heart or forgotten the many things he taught me, more about life and thought than I realized at the time. I am very sorry for your loss, and I hope you all know how much he gave so unselfishly to others.

mike martin

December 21, 2009

I love and miss you dad.

Nancy Sawyer

December 18, 2009

David and I shared a love of Arizona history. I will really miss hearing from him and our discussions on the early days of Phoenix. Dorothy, the staff at the Arizona State Archives sends you our deepest sympathies.

Alice and Yalman Effendi

December 17, 2009

I grew up knowing Uncle Dave to be a witty and considerate man. He often took time to have a learned conversation with me. I remember his knowledge regarding airplanes, which caused me to develop an interest in airplanes as well. I was very impressed with his quick wit and sense of humor.

When I first presented my son to him, he placed him on his lap and gently held him until my son was at ease. I still am grateful to him for the kindness he showed to my son.

I will always have feelings of gratitude for the kindness he showed to me and later to my family. I am honored to have known him and to have him in my life.

Alice Effendi

I first met Uncle Dave during a visit to Phoenix. Even though I am from a different country and culture, he immediate put me at ease and I felt very comfortable in his presence.

I was very impressed by his service in the Korean war defending our country and freedom. I enjoyed hearing about his experiences. My only regret is I did not have a chance to spend more time with him.

I was very touched by his gentleness toward my son. And though he was very young at the time, my son remembers meeting Uncle Dave.

I feel fortunate and honored to have known Uncle Dave.

Yalman Effendi

Edwin Cox

December 17, 2009

Mr. Martin was always very kind and patient. He is a mentor for me and many young people he knew. He was my little league baseball coach at Madison #2. I was a marginal player at best and will never forget that he let me pitch a few innings during a game of relevant importance. He instilled confidence in all his players and focused his team on the concept that the game was about more than winning.

I was also lucky enough to enjoy wonderful family vacations to California with the Martin family during the 1960's. Again, Mr. Martin was a very patient & kind man. He and Dorothy had to be very patient to cope with me at ages 10, 11 & 12.

I have many wonderful memories of Mr. Martin, he will be with me in my days that remain and I am so very fortunate to have known him.

My thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy, Mike, Dave and the Martin family

Bill Beatty

December 17, 2009

I worked for Dave at Aviation Specialties from 1966 until I went in the Army in 1970, which was my first job. Dave was a great mentor to me and someone I still use as a role model today. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, David will surely be missed.

Joyce (Martin) O'Connell

December 16, 2009

David is my 8th direct cousin in our Martin family tree. After nearly 10 years of exchanging family history, I had the great pleasure of meeting him and Dorothy a couple of years ago when I came to Phoenix.

David was a great source for Arizona history to which his Martin family significantly contributed.

He was a wonderful inspiration to me in my research and I will never forget him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

December 16, 2009

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with David at Aviation Specialties. I will never forget the trip him and Dorothy made to Flagstaff in the snow to pickup my wife and I and two young daughters from the train station there.

Thats the kind of guy David was and he will be missed.

My love to Dorothy and his family.

Jim Williams
Mesa, Arizona

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