Allen "Al" Larry Martin of Vero Beach, FL passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the age of 84.
Al was the beloved husband of Vivian C. Martin for 64 years. He was the loving father of his five children: Dale Martin, Lorna Martin, Cynthia Martin Ogle, Roxanne Martin, and Allen Martin II. Al was also the beloved grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was the 9th child of 12 in his family, and had a twin brother, Alvin. He was predeceased by all of his siblings, with the exception of Lucille Wernholm and John Roger' Martin.
Al was born on June 16, 1930, in Tipler, Wisconsin. His family's roots were from Hazard, Kentucky, though he grew up on a dairy farm in northern Wisconsin. Around the age of eight, Al began sneaking into his brother Joe's room. He would take Joe's guitar that was stored under the bed, and taught himself how to play. He truly was a self-taught musician, who never learned to read music, and yet he could play virtually any instrument the accordion, harmonica, banjo, piano, and guitar to name a few. He loved country music. Al singing and playing songs at family events will always be remembered!
Leaving home at the age of 14, he moved to Green Bay. This is probably when and where his love for the Green Bay Packers began. He joined the Army Air Corp at the age of 17. Shortly after, he met and married Vivian Caroline Hefke, at the age of 20 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Al had a variety of jobs in the early years of their marriage. Due to his love of cars, especially Fords, it was not difficult for Vivian to convince him to sell them for a living. Other than the four years when he owned and operated Al Martin & Son's (a gas station, where he sold cars and worked as a mechanic), he did this for the next 35 years.
He moved to Vero Beach, Florida with his family in 1975, where he worked at the Ford dealerships in Vero Beach and Ft. Pierce. Al's charismatic personality made it easy for him to be top salesman on numerous occasions. His friendly personality, quick wit, and honesty allowed him to serve the same customers for decades.
As a faithful Christian, he attended Central Assembly of God, participating in the annual Christmas and Easter plays. For a 30 year period, Al was part of a Christian ministry. He played the guitar and sang, along with his wife, son, and several of his grandchildren. It was important for Al to testify about his faith, having survived open-heart surgery at the age of 57. God blessed Al and his family with 27 more years. Al's life was cherished by his family, and he will always hold a special place in their hearts.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 10:00am at Central Assembly of God. A celebration of Al's life will follow the service. There will be an additional memorial service held tentatively in Tipler, Wisconsin June 2015. Al will find his final resting place with other members of his family in the Martin Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer's/Parkinson Association 2300 5th Ave #150, Vero Beach, FL 32960 - In the last year of Al's life, one of his greatest pleasures (besides eating) was going to "The Club" at the Alzheimer's/Parkinson Association.