Gerald Martin

Gerald “Jerry” R. Martin, of Enumclaw, Washington, passed away at home on February 19, 2023, at the age of 94.

Jerry was born to Arthur and Verna Martin on April 8, 1928, in Dothan, Alabama. The family soon moved to Georgia and later settled in Lakeland, Florida.

Jerry lived in Lakeland until he joined the Navy to serve two tours of duty including service during the Korean War. Following his military service, he attended Southern Oregon College, where he met the love of his life, Norma. Jerry and Norma were happily married for 49 years, until her death in 2003. They raised their family in Auburn, Washington and moved to Roseberg, Oregon, and later Enumclaw after retirement. They loved to travel and relished any time they got to spend with family and friends.  

Jerry worked as a Passenger Service Agent for United Airlines until his retirement after 32 years of employment. It was the perfect job for him as Jerry thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and enjoyed chatting with them even more. He was exceedingly kind and genuine, always welcoming you with a smile, laugh, or even a joke. His kindheartedness was best shown in his care for Norma and in the love, he bestowed on everyone he knew.

Jerry is survived by 5 children: Toni (Steve) Thomas, Shawn Martin, Kerri Martin, Joel (Lynn) Martin, and Paula Holmberg; 6 grandchildren: Drew (Jamie) Romberg, Alyssa (Kyle) Bentzoni, Jeremy (Emma) Thomas, Brandon Holmberg, Rachel (TJ) Hart, and Hanna Martin; 3 great-grandchildren: Alexis Bentzoni, Aubree Bentzoni, Jonathan Hart, and another he anticipated welcoming in August; 3 sisters: Ginger (Myers) Canady, Emma Miller, and Geraldine (Richard) Whitaker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma, his daughter Joni Martin, and his brother Tillman Martin.

Services will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 2:30pm at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

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