Michael Gene Martin

Michael Gene Martin, age 78, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024 at the Tennessee State Veterans' Home in Clarksville, Tennessee with his daughters at his bedside. He was born on June 29, 1946 to Grover Leland and Margaret (née Wilkins) Martin in Wynne, Arkansas. He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee enjoying time with his grandparents Edgar (Shuford) and Dolly Martin, and Clyde and Lola Mae Wilkins.

Michael Gene Martin, age 78, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024 at the Tennessee State Veterans' Home in Clarksville, Tennessee with his daughters at his bedside. He was born on June 29, 1946 to Grover Leland and Margaret (née Wilkins) Martin in Wynne, Arkansas. He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee enjoying time with his grandparents Edgar (Shuford) and Dolly Martin, and Clyde and Lola Mae Wilkins.

After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War Era stationed in Chu Lai, Vietnam. He was also stationed in Antarctica and Morocco. He worked in the Seabees unit as an electrician. After serving his country he worked at Ford Motor Company in Lorain, Ohio and retired from the United States Post Office in Memphis, Tennessee. Mike enjoyed fishing, traveling, listening to Pink Floyd, riding his motorcycle, “smoke breaks” with his fellow veterans, his dogs Gabby and Gizmo, and especially family visits with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known for always telling a good joke.

Michael is survived by his wife, Susan (Anderson) of Clarksville, Tennessee; daughters: LeighAnn Van Vickle of Selmer, Tennessee, Michelle (Mark) Celeski of Hernando, Mississippi, and Ginger (Ryan) Bane of Austin, Texas; stepsons, Eric (Michelle) Lance of Olmsted Falls, Ohio and Jared (Chelsea) Adkins of Wakeman, Ohio; stepdaughter, Sarah (Ethan) Blomberg of Clarksville, Tennessee; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Grover Martin and Margaret Turner; wife, Cynthia (Robbins) Martin; brother, Grover Leland "Bubba" Martin, Jr.; daughter, Jana Jerry; and grandson, Michael Jerry.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Tennessee State Veterans' Home and Tennova Hospice of Clarksville, Tennessee for their care and compassion.

A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery’s chapel, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38125.

Please visit Michael's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.