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BORN
1938
DIED
2024
Tony Martin Obituary
January 10, 1938 - November 13, 2024
Merced, California - Tony Lee Martin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, in Merced, California, at the age of 86.
Born on January 10, 1938, in Arizona to Robert and Vivian Martin, Tony was a man of many talents with a personality as strong and vibrant as the structures he helped create. As the eldest of his siblings, Tony grew up with a strong work ethic, a sharp mind, and a mischievous streak that endeared him to everyone he met.
On July 25, 1958, Tony married the love of his life, Catherion Sue "Katie" Johnson, in Merced, California. Together, they raised two daughters, Carrie and Arleen, in a home filled with love, laughter, and plenty of good-natured teasing. While Tony was busy as a union carpenter, helping to construct hospitals, schools, dams, etc, Katie kept their family and home running smoothly. Their partnership was a testament to teamwork, love, and mutual respect.
Tony loved making things for his grandchildren, including a bunk bed, a bunny hutch, and countless other things his grandchildren cherished. These projects reflected Tony's deep bond with his family and his desire to leave something tangible and lasting for the people he loved most.
Tony had many interests. From a young age Tony devoured books and passed that passion on to his daughters. He also instilled a love of gardening in his family and had a thriving vegetable garden. Tony never met a chili pepper he didn't love. When he and Katie were at last empty nesters they explored California and beyond on their motorcycle trike with their friends. Tony adored the various foothill and mountain communities outside of Merced.
Tony's family was his greatest source of pride. He is survived by his two daughters, Carrie and Arleen, and his son-in-law Jon. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren-Ian, Collin, Mia, Jacob, Seth and Brenna. Tony is also survived by his younger brother, Bill Van Cleave, with whom he shared a lifelong bond.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katie, his parents, Robert and Vivian, and his younger sisters, Dorothy and Janet.
A graveside service will be held for Tony at Evergreen Funeral Home and Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to any local hospice.
Tony Lee Martin along with his talents, kindness, humor, and spicy nature left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tony Martin
1 Entry
Cosima Hopper
November 22, 2024
So very sorry for the loss of this sweet human being. I remember him, his brother, baby Billie, and my aunt, my mothers´s older sister who we knew as Aunt DZ, visiting twice when I was a child.
Because he and my brother, Jimmy, were only two or three years apart in age, and I was the little sister/cousin, I wasn´t included in very many of their adventures so didn´t get to know him very well. The two shenanigans I do remember though were dramatic! One time I tagged along as they roamed the fields and creeks near our home. They rescued me from an angry bull who took issue with us for being in his pasture! I fell just before getting ducking under the fence and they pulled me to safety with the bull hot on my heels! Another time we climbed a tree, which they easily jumped from, but I ended up in the hospital a bit black and blue and with a swollen jaw. Good times!
Thanks for the memories, Tony
With love,
Cosima (Sissy)
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