Richard Martens

Richard Allan Martens, age 84, of McMinnville, OR died December 12, 2016 was born April 3, 1932 in Kalamazoo Township to Harold and Cora DeYoung Martens. Dick attended South Westnedge School and the Leggett School in rural Kalamazoo County. He graduated from Athens Agricultural Schools and was the valedictorian for the class of 1950. He worked as an orderly at the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital for two years and enlisted in the US Army in 1952. He served in the Korean Conflict as an operations and intelligence specialist with the 61st Field Artillery Battalion of the First Cavalry. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1955. Dick enrolled at Central Michigan University and earned a bachelors degree in biology. After working at Miles Laboratories for a few years, he furthered his education at the Indiana University Dental School. He practiced dentistry In Washington, IN from 1967 to 1980. He spent the rest of his career as a civilian dentist at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC. He enjoyed his retirement in Oak Island, NC and McMinnville, OR. He a was proud member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by a brother, Ronald Martens of Fulton and Shelbyville; a sister, Shirley Martens of Carlton, OR; three nephews: Jonathan Wheeling, Alan and Nathan Martens; two nieces: Dianne Wheeling and Camille Martens Subject. Graveside services will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Friday, December 16 at 1:30 p.m. (Please assemble by 1:15) In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Climax Scotts American Legion Post 465, Athens VFW Post 5319 or the Athens Community Foundation. Avink Funeral Home