Obituary: Kent Thomas Martin

Kent Thomas Martin, 90, of West Allis, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, died March 22, 2016 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.

He was born August 17, 1925 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of David Harvey Martin and Mae Lucille (LaPlante) Martin. Kent graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1943 and enlisted with the United States Navy later that year. He attended the Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College (Arkansas A&M) and later the University of Oklahoma as part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program. While at Oklahoma, Kent lettered in both, football and baseball. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 1946.

Kent was united in marriage to Grace Arvilla Arbter on September 27, 1947 in Sturgeon Bay. They shared over 57 years of marriage together. She preceded him in death on April 25, 2005.

Kent’s primary professional occupation was as a city assessor, serving the communities of Sturgeon Bay (seven years), Grand Forks, ND (five years), Madison (three years), West Allis (nine years), Whitefish Bay/Shorewood (thirteen years), retiring at age 62. He and Grace lived in West Allis for over 40 years. Kent had been living at Meadowmere Assisted Living in West Allis since the fall of 2009.

He had a passion for sports, both as a player and a fan. Kent was a member of the Whitnall Park Men’s Golf Club in Franklin. He played in the Door County Baseball League and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. Kent also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins.

He is survived by his son, Thomas (Mary) Martin of Scottsdale, AZ; three grandchildren, Meghan, Matthew, Ashley; great-granddaughter, Skylynn; four brothers, Maynard (Arlene) Martin of West Allis; Gregory (Pat) Martin of Sun City West, AZ, James (Pat) Martin of Sun Lakes, AZ, John Martin of Howe, TX; and sister, Laurene Herdina of Merrill.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and three brothers, Roswell (Barbara), Richard, and Dave Jr. (Ethel) Martin.

A funeral service honoring his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay with Pastor Tim Malek officiating. Kent will be laid to rest beside his wife, Grace, in Bayside Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Huehns Funeral Home, Friday evening, April 1, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and also Saturday morning, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Kent’s memory for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.