Gary Martin

Gary Martin of Ellendale, DE, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at his home.

He was born on October 11, 1948, in Cleveland, OH. He is the son of the late Donald Martin. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Jenny Martin; his mother, Lorraine Walls; and stepfather, Bud Walls; and sisters, June Draper and Diane Manford.

Gary spent his childhood in Port Penn, DE, before moving with his family to Ellendale. He attended Milford High School. He went on to proudly serve the United States Army in Vietnam from 1967-1970. After his return home, he worked for his stepfather at Diamond State Construction and Painting for many years. He was a member of the VFW Post 2931 and the Milford Moose.

Gary enjoyed camping in Chincoteague, travelling, fishing, motorcycles, NASCAR, photography, reading, and watching TV. He loved driving around visiting his friends or taking a ride to Slaughter Beach, always with his cherished dog Rufus by his side. Despite becoming a double amputee in 2020, Gary was very independent and maintained his home and property; mowing the lawn, weed eating, and trimming his trees.

He is survived by his brother, Buzzy Walls; sisters, Vivian Cebrick (Mike), Marlene Taylor (Billy), Gwen Greenly, Marilyn Glisci (Rich), Jackie Carmean (Richard), Candy Fitzgerald (Bob Shields), Clair Hughes (John); stepdaughter, Tracey Bogan; stepsons, James Passwaters, Matthew Passwaters; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00am at Ellendale Cemetery, Ponder Ave., Ellendale, DE 19941. A memorial reception to celebrate Gary's life will immediately follow at the Ellendale Fire Hall, 302 Main St. Ellendale, DE 19941. Arrangements are in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford. Online condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com/.