Notes for Curtis Walker Martin

Family Group Sheet

Notes for Curtis Walker Martin

Obit
MARTIN, Curtis Walker
(Age 88)
Curtis Martin of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, died Monday, October 2, 2006 at the Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene. He was born April 5, 1918 in Winfield, Kansas to George and Irene (Walker) Martin. Curtis grew up in Coeur d'Alene where he graduated high school. He then attended the University of Idaho, was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and later attended Kinman BusinessCollege. During World War II Curtis served in the United States Air Force. Following his discharge he worked as an accountant for a variety of companies in Spokane, Seattle and Portland, retiring from Pack River Forest Products. Curtis was an accomplished musician, playing the saxophone and clarinet with many bands and orchestras beginning with Coeur d'Alene High School, University of Idaho and the United States Air Force. He played War Bond and U.S.O. shows with the Geiger Field Band and later with the 590th Air Force Band in Abilene, Texas. After returning to Spokane, Curtis played with a variety of bands including the Jim Baker Orchestra and the Ray Hendricks Band. In Seattle he was a member of the Max Pillar Orchestra. The last band Curtis played in was the Spokane Eagles Band. His hobbies included fishing, boating, gardening and traveling with Barbara in their motor home. He especially loved Lake Pend Oreille and the Oregon Coast. He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Tom Specht of Liberty Lake, Washington, and Marilyn and Michael Pearson of Greenacres, Washington, five grandchildren: Jessica Specht, Erin, Nicole, Carly and Whitney Pearson. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; sister Freida Martin Dunham; and his wife Barbara Gerking Martin. At the family's request, services will be private. Memorials should be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., FL 17, Chicago, IL 60601. YATES FUNERAL HOME, COEUR D'ALENE CHAPEL, was entrusted with the care of final arrangements.