Alvin J. Martin Jr.

Alvin (“Al”) John Martin Jr. passed from the realm of life to his immortality on Nov. 30, 2014. He was born in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sept. 3, 1941.

Al achieved the rank of GySgt in the U.S. Marine Corps and was affectionately known by all as “Gunny.”

He served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. Due to his extensive training and experience as a military aviation technician, his work took him all around the world where he made friends wherever he went.

Al had a passion for soldiers and veterans and was privileged to have the opportunity to once again support our American soldiers in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan as an aviation technician in the role of a civilian contractor.

Al was a self-taught calligrapher, cartoonist and artist. He brought a sharp wit to his drawings of everyday life and work as well as a refined stroke to fine line calligraphy.

One particular passion of Al’s was feeding the hungry and homeless. He spearheaded the inner city homeless Heat Respite Program at New Journey Lutheran Church where he was proud to be a Charter Member. Every Sunday he collected donations of food for delivery to the local Extended Hands Food Bank.

He loved to cook and was known to bring food to church, work, neighbors, family and friends, whether or not there was an occasion.

Al is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin John Martin Sr. and Lupie Estrada Martin, and by his daughter, Michelle Martin Burnett.

He is survived by his bride of 27 years, Elizabeth Winter; and five children, William McKeague (CA); Annette Huerta (GA); Deborah Martin (CT); Kevin Martin (TX); and Georgia Martin (GA), in addition to 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A private family interment will be conducted at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ on Friday, Dec. 19.

Family and friends are welcome to attend an Honor Service to be held at the American Legion, 16837 E. Parkview Avenue, Fountain Hills, on Dec. 20, 2014. The Honor Service will be officiated by Pastor Robert Halsey of New Journey Lutheran Church in Fountain Hills.

Preceding the 4 p.m. Honor Service will be a reception for Al’s friends to greet the family at 3 p.m., and following the Honor Service will be a shared meal at 5 p.m., all to take place at the American Legion.

It is said that every Marine who ever lived is living still in the flame which gives people a light to live by. Semper Fidelis!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) in honor of Al, the much beloved “Gunny.”