Thomas Maertens

Colonel Thomas Brock Maertens, of 501 Bayberry Lane in Clemson, passed away on 13 November 2006 at the Clemson Downs Retirement Center. He was a professor emeritus at Clemson University after completing a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Army.

Born into the Army at Chilkoot Barracks in Haines, Alaska, he was the son of the late Colonel Kameil and Nelle Edwards Maertens. Colonel Tom Maertens graduated from Columbus High School, Columbus, Ga., and attended Millard's Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. He received an appointment to the United States Military Academy and graduated in 1945.

Colonel Maertens' distinguished military career included overseas assignments to Japan, Korea and Vietnam, where he earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action as a battalion commander with the 1st Infantry Division. Other assignments included six years with the Army General Staff at the Pentagon, service on the faculty of the Army's Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., a tour as a brigade commander at Fort Jackson, S.C., and his selection to be the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army in Alaska. His final military assignment came in 1972 as the Professor of Military Science at Clemson University, where he succeeded his brother, Colonel George Maertens. In addition to the Silver Star, his country also awarded Colonel Maertens three Legions of Merit, four Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, and five Army Commendation Medals. The Republic of South Vietnam awarded him three Crosses of Gallantry and the Honor Medal First Class. He also earned the Combat Infantryman and the Parachutist badges.

Colonel Maertens received his M.S. in Management at the University of Alabama in 1962. After his retirement from the Army in 1975, he joined the management faculty in the School of Business and Commerce at Clemson University, retiring in 1984 as an Assistant Professor Emeritus of Management. Professor Tom Maertens was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma business fraternity. He was also selected for membership in the Blue Key Society, the Tiger Brotherhood, and received the Gator Farr Award in 1983.

While Colonel Maertens lived in Seneca, he was very active in both the Seneca and Clemson communities through his participation in many civic organizations. As an Eagle Scout, he served on the Executive Board of the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver award for his dedication to the principles of scouting. He was a member of American Legion Post 120 in Seneca and is credited with establishing the Keowee Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, where he held the title of Chairman Emeritus. He was the Senior Warden of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson, and served as a licensed lay reader for the parish. He was the Chairman of the Building Committee and successfully led the campaign to construct the new worship facility located next to the Clemson campus. He was President of the Clemson Fellowship Club and the Oconee Volunteer and Information Service.

Colonel Tom Maertens was most proud of his service to the Clemson Rotary Club, which he joined in 1972. He served as the Club President from 1979-80; served as Rotary District 775 Secretary from 1981-82; and was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1982. The highlight of his Rotary service was his selection to serve as Governor of District 775 from 1986-87.

Colonel Tom Maertens is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carrie Brooks [CB] Miller of the home; two sons, LTC (Retired) Tom Maertens, Jr. and wife Karen of Clemson, LTC(Retired) Floyd [Buddy] Maertens and wife Nancy of Columbia, SC; a daughter, Alice M. Jaynes and husband Gary of Westminster, SC; four grandchildren, Jason Maertens of Columbia, SC, Kevin Maertens of Brooklyn, NY, McKenna Maertens of Clemson University, and Sterling Jaynes of Westminster, SC. He is also survived by his brother, Colonel (Retired) George K. Maertens and wife Edna of Sun City, AZ; and was predeceased by his brother, Colonel (Retired) James E. Maertens.

Since the founding of West Point in 1802, many of its graduates have distinguished themselves in many diverse fields of endeavor. Tom Maertens was such a man. Throughout his life, he exemplified the ideals of West Point: Duty, Honor, Country. He was respected by his soldiers and students, revered by his peers, and loved and admired by his family. His charm, his love of people, and his love of life will be imbued in our hearts and memories forever.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 193 Old Greenville Highway, Clemson, SC on Saturday, 18 November 2006 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive visitors in the Parish House following the service. Colonel Maertens will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, with his parents, brother and stepfather, Colonel (Retired) Joseph K. Bush. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Holy Trinity Church in Clemson or a charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com, or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, who is assisting the family with arrangements.