Eugene “Gene” N. Martin, 89, passed away on December 15, at his home in Des Moines, WA, with family at his side. Born to Milo and Dorothy Martin in Oakview Gardens, CA., Gene attended Orting schools after moving to Washington, graduating in 1949. He served in the US Navy as a Radarman aboard the USS Turner destroyer from 1950-1954, during the Korean War.
He was wed to Wanita Tracy in June 1954, and they lived for a short time in Enumclaw before moving to their current home in the Des Moines area. When Gene finished his service in December 1954, he started working for the Boeing Company as a draftsman. He then attended night school at Seattle University and obtained his BA in Engineering in 1963. He worked on many different planes and projects in several Boeing plants, retiring after 37 years as an Engineering Manager.
Gene loved golf and was a member of Auburn and Enumclaw golf courses. He also played with a seniors group on courses all over the area, and he enjoyed golfing with his wife and friends while on vacations and upon retiring. He was still playing through his 88th birthday. He enjoyed traveling with his family. He had many hobbies, including camping, fi shing, hunting, boating and water skiing, oil painting, rock hounding, trips to Reno and the casinos, playing cards with his friends, and watching sports. He was very skilled, adding additions to their home, as well as building a much loved family cabin.
Above all, he loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Phil Martin, and three half brothers, James Flork, Bradley Flork, and David Flork. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Wanita (Tracy) Martin, 2 daughters, Cathy (Bryon) Overton, Christy Swamy, grandchildren Wendy Overton, Ben Overton, Sarah (Kris) Jensen, Rachel (Zach) Kirchmeyer, and Jesse Swamy. He is also survived by sister, Shirley DeWaele and three half sisters, May Goninan, Mary Wellauer, and Gail Flork.
A memorial service, graveside inurnment and reception will take place February 1, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Weeks’ Funeral Home in Buckley, WA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 155 NE 100th Street, Suite 303, Seattle, WA 98125. Please share a memory on the tribute wall at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.
