Victor Martin

1927 - 2021

Victor Eugene Martin July 4, 2021 While sleeping peacefully in the early morning hours of July 4, 2021, Victor Martin was unexpectedly called home by his Lord and Savior to join his son and brother in Heaven. A graveside memorial service for family members was conducted on July 30 at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff, where his ashes were laid to rest with his son, Timothy. Victor Martin was born on August 24, 1927 to David and Katherine (Grasmick) Martin on the farm in Gering, NE. A committed father, patriot and man of faith, Victor embodied a proud German work ethic, sharp wit, strong will and fierce independence his entire life. Victor and his siblings grew up together in Western Nebraska, where he graduated from Minatare High School in 1946. He worked hard on the farm with his parents as a young man and enjoyed playing baseball. Vic entered the military in 1950 and began his long career of service in the United States Air Force. Victor was humble with a steely determination, and these attributes served him well in the military. Over the next 25 years he would have a storied career that took him around the world, making lifelong relationships with fellow officers. He rose in the ranks to become a B-52 bomber pilot, served in the Vietnam War, and was the Deputy Chief of Staff/ Operations at headquarters of the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base. After the Vietnam War, he was stationed in San Antonio where he was appointed the Inspector General of the Tactical Air Command detachment at Kelly Air Force Base. In service to his country, Victor Martin was awarded The Bronze Star, twice received The Meritorious Service Medal and twice received The Air Force Commendation Medal, as well as The Combat Readiness Medal and The Air Medal. Ready for a new challenge, he retired in 1975 and began a second career in real estate. Partnered with Christine Emerson and Jeannette White, he founded Benchmark Real Estate in San Antonio. For the next 17 years they built a successful business and lifelong relationships that lasted many decades after Victor retired for a second time. He was blessed with good health and a long life, as well as a terrific long game in golf. His golf buddies were an important part of his life after retirement from the military. Though from Nebraska and a lifelong Huskers football fan, beginning in 1972 San Antonio was where Victor found contentment and made his home. And the Spurs became his sports passion when football was not in season. As he often said in retirement, "It doesn't get any better than this." Growing in faith throughout his life, Victor was a devoted member of Concordia Lutheran Church. He served as an usher and attended faithfully, including online weekly throughout the last few years, mustering for the return of Easter services in-person this year with his son, Kent and grandson, Nate. Victor is preceded in death by his parents and son, Timothy, and his beloved brother, Ruben. Survivors include his sons Jim, and his wife Rhonda, and Kent. He is also survived by his grandsons Scott, and his wife Carissa, and Nate, as well as by 5 great grandchildren all of whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his sisters, Helen (Harvey) Bauer and Jeanette Hall, and her husband George, as well as his sister-in-law, Paula Martin. He was blessed to remain close with all of them throughout life, being with them in Nebraska just weeks before passing. Family was everything to Victor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258.