Durward Fletcher Martin

Durward Fletcher Martin, age 95, of Lula, GA passed away peacefully at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Louise Keeler Martin and his parents, Vernon Bradley Martin and Hallie McCallister Martin.
He is survived by his sister, LaVerne Siple; his sons and daughters-in-law, David and Lisa Martin, Jeffrey and Lana Martin: his grandchildren; Lauren Galbraith, Kathryn Weeks, Rachel Walker and Joshua Martin: his great-grandchildren, Grey and Adelaide Galbraith, Reagan, Declan and Holden Weeks and James Walker.
Mr. Martin was born on July 16, 1920 in Scottsville, KY. He graduated from Largo (Florida) High School in 1941.He worked at the All American grocery store in Clearwater, FL, before entering the U.S. Army in October, 1942. He was assigned to the 604 Engineers Camouflage Battalion, arriving in England in 1943. The 604 camouflaged lakes to deter German bombing raids over London. Mr. Martin landed on Utah Beach, D-Day + 14, moving through Normandy, then serving in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, earning 5 battle stars in the European Theatre. Following the surrender of Germany, Mr. Martin joined the 1303 Engineers. The 1303 sailed from Marseille, France for a 30 day trip by transport ship to Luzon, Philippines, where he trained and awaited the planned invasion of Japan. After the atomic bombs were dropped and Japan surrendered, he entered Tokyo, where he worked on rebuilding the American Embassy. After a short stay in occupied Japan, Mr. Martin was discharged and returned home following his 3 years of military service.
Upon returning to civilian life, Mr. Martin worked with his father and Uncle, Arcie Martin, contracting and building homes in Clearwater, FL. Following the home building business, he worked on bridges and high rise buildings as a carpenter on the West coast of Florida. After recovering from a heart attack at age 42, he worked at the renowned Siple's Garden Seat restaurant in Clearwater, FL, owned by his sister and brother-in-law, Richard Siple.
When his wife's health declined, Mr. Martin moved to Georgia to be closer to family and care for his wife. He enjoyed attending church, fishing, gardening and woodworking in his final years, surrounded by his family.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday December 1, 2015 at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Washington Street in Gainesville. The Rev. Calvin Haney will officiate. The family will receive friends Monday November 30 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ward's Funeral Home. Interment will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday December 4 at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, Florida.
Those wishing may make memorial gifts to St. Paul United Methodist Church 404 Washington Street Gainesville, GA 30501 or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made online at wardsfh.com Ward's Funeral Home 758 Main Street S.W. Gainesville, GA in charge of arrangements.