Don Martin

Early morning November 28,2023, Donald Martin gained his wings and went to be with his beloved wife surrounded by his family.

 Don was born on March 8, 1930 to Alvin Leslie and Ruth (Drollinger) Martin in Creston, Iowa. He attended Creston Schools. Don entered the Army at 18 and served active duty for one year and Army Reserves for 5 years. He was honorably discharged. In 1954, Don met and married the love of his life, Mary (Margie White) and they were married for 50 years. To this union, 8 children were born.

Don, along with his brother Al, owned and operated Martin Brothers, the Chrysler Plymouth dealership in Creston for many years. In 1972, Margie began working with Don until they sold the business to enjoy retirement. Don and Margie enjoyed traveling the country, especially visiting cemeteries for their love of genealogy. They wintered in Venice, Florida for many years. Don held a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his plane with his children and grandchildren. His hidden talent was being able to take anything apart and put it back together. His children remember their first television, a Heath Kit television built by their dad. Don also was a Ham Radio operator for many years. Being a Depression baby, he always knew the value of  a dollar. When the used cars at the garage needed upholstery work, he bought his own upholstery sewing machine and taught himself to upholster the car seats. His kids and grands were often the recipient of his ability and willingness to fix anything. There was not much of anything he couldn’t do or try. Those talents will be sorely missed. In later years, Don enjoyed his daily swims at the local YMCA, driving his convertible with his 50’s and 60's music at full volume, and playing cards and cribbage with family and friends.

Don is survived by six children, Terri (Jim) Gillespie of Earlham, IA, Ron (Tammy) Martin of Creston, IA, Merri (Mike) Ringen of Knob Noster, MO, Sherri (Jerry) Clark of Norwalk, IA, Kerri (Jim) Metzger of Marshalltown, IA, and David  (Sandra) Martin of Fresno, CA, and daughter-in-law Jaqueline Martin of Omaha, NE. Extended family include Margie’s only living sibling, Vickie Vanosdall of Galesburg, IL and sisters-in-law, Becky White of Nevada and Violet White of Corning and many nieces and nephews. Don left a legacy of 22 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his sweetheart Margie, his two sons, John and Dan, his parents,  in-laws, Fred (Fussy) and Hazel White, and siblings Al (Lou) Martin, and Lois (Jim) Rodger. Also preceding him was Penny (Gaylan) Combs, Alvin White, Danny White, Ivan White, and Richard David White, and niece Linda Raymie and nephew Mike Combs.

Per Don’s wishes, a private internment with family will be held at a later date. If you wish, memorials may be sent to your local library.