Funeral services were
conducted at 1pm. Saturday, May 25, 2002 in the Chapel of Bilbrey Funeral Home
with burial in Big Lick Cemetery. Elders Jerry Hassler, Tom Jenkins, and Austin
Hamby officiated, with Bishop Dave Devos presenting the closing hymn.
Ledford D. Martin was born on May 21, 1919 in Florence, AL
and completed his mortal journey on his 83rd birthday, May 21, 2002.
He was the son of Ledford D. and Clara Belle Cash Martin. He grew up in
Chattanooga, TN. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1936-1940. Later he attended
Officer Training School and served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. After
his discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1945, he settled in Santa Monica, CA
and served on the Santa Monica Police Department. He later opened a business
called Don’s Malt Shop. The malt shop was a popular gathering place for
students for many years due to its location across the street from Santa Monica
High School. A few years later, he followed in his father’s trade and went
into his own plumbing and contracting business. He expanded the plumbing
business to include a hardware store and a full-service rental yard, known as
Martin Plumbing & Heating, Santa Monica Rentals and Martin’s True Value
Hardware Store. In 1969, he received the prestigious Santa Monica Beautiful
Award for his design of the building and property that housed the businesses.
After retiring in 1974, and he and his wife moved to Crossville, TN. He was a
member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, F&AM and the OES.
On September 18th, 2001 he was presented with his fifty-year
membership pin from the Masonic Lodge.
Survivers include his wife of 52 years, Roberta Peterson
Martin of Crossville, TN, two
sons, Steven L. Martin
Crossville, TN, Robert A. Martin – Glendale, AZ, four daughters: Donna L.
Mendryga, Santa Monica, CA, Annaliese L. Keller – Santa Cruz, CA, Ellen G.M.
Bernardo – Liberty Lake, WA, Maryanne M. Biondi – Santa Cruz, CA.,
ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren. Also surviving him are his
brother Harry Winston Martin of Spokane, WA, and a sister, Bettye Boulden of
Houston, TX. Pallbearers: Brian
Bernardo, Drew Martin, Dylan Martin, Andrew Martin, Fred Adolphus, Robert
Adolphus, Michael Biondi and Ernest Clauss
The family requests that Memorials be made to:
American Diabetes Association, Hospice of Cumberland County, or the
American Heart Association.