Eugene J. Martin

MARTIN Eugene J. Martin. ''If you seek just a little truth, as most, you should not ignore abstract forms, the basis from which all short-lived experiences we call reality spring'' A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2005 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Martin & Castille for the artist-painter Eugene J. Martin, age 66, who died with the help of palliative care at his residence on Saturday, January 1, 2005, following a month's stay at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Eugene Martin was born in Washington D.C. on July 24, 1938, where he spent most of his life. Survivors include his wife, Dr. Suzanne Fredericq, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, his brother, Jerry Walter Martin and his wife Helen Martin from Frederick MD, his nephew Jay Martin and nieces Monique Martin and Trina Harris Martin and their children from Frederick, MD, numerous foster brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins, his mother in law Dr. Marie Fredericq-Lilar from Belgium, and her daughters and sons in law Th¨r©se and John Groffen from The Netherlands, Louise and Bruno Fornari and Francoise and Dr. Karel Arnaut from Belgium, and Marie and Chuck Laughlin from Lafayette, and all their children. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Helen Dove, father, James Walter Martin, and foster parents Franie and Madessa Snowdon. Eugene's art was beyond category. He was pure genius. For him painting was a spiritual, introspective, primordial, original and uncompromising creative act. After attending the Corcoran School of Arts from 1960-1963, he became a full-time artist, with artistic integrity - come what may- his only guide. His works of art can be found in numerous private art collections throughout the world. His most recent exhibition was a one-man show this Fall at the Jefferson Street Market Gallery in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana; several of his art pieces are also currently included in the new Acadiana Arts Center opening exhibit €Spirit of Place: Art from Acadiana� in Lafayette. As extraordinary an artist that he was, Eugene Martin was an even greater human being - all love, compassion and pure wisdom. His wonderful uplifting art and poetry live on and will provide joy to generations to come. €Can someone eat the fruit that comes from the tree of action that grows from the seeds of your mind?� The family wishes to thank Shelley Mullican and the Louisiana Hospice & Palliative Care, Opelousas, for making his last voyage and passage so peaceful and wonderful an experience. Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Inc. of Lafayette, 234-2311.