Michael E. Martin

Michael E. Martin, 80, a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather, passed away on Tuesday, January

26, 2021, in Albuquerque, NM and, thus, avoided the lengthy treatments and surgery for the second bout of cancer.

Mike was born October 16, 1940, in Du Quoin, IL to James Adam Martin and Helen Koss Martin, who predeceased him. Also preceded in death was his sister, Mary Ann Murray.

He is survived by his loving spouse, Connie (Wyatt/ Bess) Martin, with whom he shared 35 years; his sons Jim (Becky) Martin and Jeff Martin, both of Louisville, KY; stepchildren Jeff Walton (Dana) of Houston, TX; Jean Bess and John Bess of Albuquerque, NM. This blended family has blessed him with seven grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.

As a young boy, Mike knew he wanted to build things and that was how he spent his life. He attended the Vocational Technical Institute of Southern Illinois University. After serving in the Army, he settled in Monterey, CA where he began his carpentry apprenticeship and was fortunate to work under a supervisor who taught him the many skills he acquired, especially as a finish carpenter.

Mike continued his career building homes in California then in Pagosa Springs, CO before relocating to Albuquerque where he continued his construction career for 17 years with the Jaynes Corporation. He started his own construction business, Martin & Sons, with son, Jim, and continued primarily doing tenant improvements, remodels, and additions until retirement in December, 2006.

His biggest joys were traveling with their RV to many places across the U.S. plus camping, hunting, fishing and four-wheeling in his beloved Pagosa Springs, CO area. He was a loved supporter of the Young at Heart Choir of which his wife is a member.

A memorial service will be held at a later time. Donations may be made to the San Juan Mountains Association, Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund (sjma.org) or the Young at Heart Choir, (yahchoir.org).