Cw4 Benjamin J. Martin

CW4 Benjamin J. Martin, 80, passed away peacefully December 16, 2012, at the New Mexico Veterans Home in T or C, NM. Ben was born April 5, 1932 in Paia, Maui, Hawaii and raised there until he enlisted in US Army at age 16; upon graduation, he went into active duty in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, serving his country for 36 years. His tenure included the Airborne, and the Army as a paratrooper, cook, radar technician for Hercules, Ajax missiles and progressed into the Hawk missiles. He served several tours of duty in Korea and two tours in Viet Nam where he became a Warrant Officer in Food Service and went on to become a Chief Warrant Officer in that field. Ft. Bliss, Texas, was his last assignment where he was head of food service and retired with honors. Ben never met a stranger and loved talking to anyone. Chief Martin as he was known in the food service halls could prepare exquisite 5 star meals and loved to discuss recipes and food preparation. Maui, HI was where Ben was most at home in his native state. He never forgot his roots and the hard work his father George Martins demonstrated. He is preceded in death by his first wife Elizabeth (Libby) Martin, his brother Richard Martines and sisters Dorothy, and Kay. He is survived by his second wife Carol Martin of the family home, Haoli, his special dog, sisters Flo, Francis and Shirley, sons Gregg (Sue), Las Cruces, NM; Larry (Aurora) Conroe, TX; and BJ (Peggy) Spring, TX. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Kenny and Kelly Martin, Kimberly Martin, Jennifer Jimenez, and Kasey LeClaire and 8 great-grandchildren. Ben is also survived by his life long friend with whom he enlisted in the Army, Fidel Baldonado. Following his request, cremation has taken place and he will be interred at Houston National Cemetery. The Martin family wishes to thank Dr. Janetsko, Carol Wilson and all the staff (especially Nurse Robin) at the NM Veterans Home who compassionately cared for Ben. e ho'omaha me ka maluhia, Ben. PDF Printable Version