Buddy Richard Martin

Buddy Richard Martin Buddy Richard Martin passed away November 14, 2017 of coronary artery disease. He was born September 15, 1939 in Cherry Valley, Arkansas to Garstial Martin and Agnes Engle Martin Adams who preceded him in death. His cremated remains were sent to Bremerton, WA and scattered at sea with military honors. A memorial plaque will be placed at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR. As the son of sharecroppers, Buddy's earliest memories were placing string onto beans in a field. Eventually, the family made their way to Oregon where he attended South Eugene High School and his ability to win staring contests earned him the nick name "Owl Eyes". He joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served with distinction and honor for 22 years and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). His tours of duty placed him in Yokosuka Japan; San Francisco, CA; Baltimore, MD; New Orleans, LA. He served aboard the USS Pollux (AKS-4) with his brother Norman. He was given the option of pursuing a Commissioned Officer ranking, but chose to devote himself to his family instead. After retiring from the Navy he could have lived anywhere in the world, but chose to return to Oregon. He was a Freemason of the 3rd degree. He enjoyed exploring everywhere he went. But, Oregon was his chosen home. North to South, East to West, he knew all the secret places to visit. From the coastal range to the rugged dry desert he found all of Oregons hidden treasures. He was a lover of all things and a collector of more. His morning ritual after retiring was to drink a cup of coffee and read the paper at precisely 8AM. Buddy was well read man, quick witted, and his humor was mostly politically incorrect. He was very Republican. He was generous to a fault and helped family and friends in any way he could. Buddy Richard Martin was a diamond in the rough. A wonderful human being. He will forever be missed. He is survived by his former wives Alice Martin and Donna Smith, his children Richard B. Martin and his wife Lana and their daughter Alysssa Martin, Kristin T Martin and her children Maximilian Sonnenfeltd and Stephanie Sonnenfeltd, and Kimberly Martin. Two siblings, Dolores and Theresa Jean Lemmon have passed as well. He is survived by siblings Dona Catherine Johnsen, Norman Kenneth Martin, Vincent Keith Martin, Nadine Faith, Glenna Dianne Adams and Spencer Lewis Adams. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, January 14, 2018 at noon at Musgrove's West Lawn Family Center in Eugene. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com