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Tommy Martinson Obituary
November 7, 1941 - March 1, 2023
Tommy (Tom) Lee Martinson, 81, Auburn, succumbed to a long illness on March 1, 2023, after spending his last days at the Bethany House. He is survived by his wife, Paula Martinson; daughter, Laura (Martinson) Sylvester; and granddaughter, Amanda (Sylvester) Horton. He was born an only child to Alfred and Mildred Martinson in Portland, Oregon, in 1941, where he spent his childhood. He studied Geography at the University of Oregon, and received his PhD at the University of Kansas. Tom taught Geography at Ball State University in Indiana before coming to Auburn to live and teach at Auburn University, retiring in 2007. He loved to travel and took many trips across the US and to Latin America which was his passion professionally. Tom was a member of the Unitarian Universalist church in Auburn. He was the most kind, caring and supportive husband, father and grandfather, and will be dearly missed. Cremation will be at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. No services will be held.
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Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
Jacob W. Hancock
March 20, 2023
Dr. Martinson was a phenomenal professor, his passion for Geography was infectious, as well as his laughter. I attribute my love of travel to him & I really enjoyed how he used his personal photos of Latin America in his lectures. My sincere condolences to the family.
Michael OBrien
March 14, 2023
I am so saddened to learn of Dr Martinson´s passing. A true gentleman and scholar in every way. I thoroughly enjoyed his wit and intellect, his laugh was both unique and entertaining! While there will always be a void with his silence, he will live on through his influence and reflections ipon his life. Thank you for sharing him with the Auburn Family. MOBrien
Diana Allende
March 12, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to Paula, Laura and Amanda. Tom was always gracious and caring, a genuinely sweet man with wide-ranging interests. It was a privilege to know him, to visit with him and Paula and hear about his genealogy research and see his photography projects. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
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