Linton Earl Martin

Linton Earl Martin, a Deputy Sheriff from San Francisco, CA, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2020. His joyous spirit, infectious laughter, lifegiving bear hugs, quick wit and robust yodeling made life sweeter for us all and have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Born February 21, 1964 in San Francisco, CA, Linton was raised in Lakeview. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School where he played football, excelling as an offensive lineman, a linebacker, and earning the role of team captain during his senior year. During high school he most enjoyed his Art, History, and P. E. classes and earned money by delivering newspapers. Spending long hours at Fisherman’s Wharf, and especially Pier 39, fed his passion for being near the water as he watched the boats come and go. His greatest love, however, emerged from a group date where he met his future wife, best friend of nearly 40 years and the love of his life, Elaine.

After graduating high school Linton enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as an Electrician’s Mate. With honor and dedication, he served his country during Operation Desert Storm and was stationed at bases throughout California and Hawaii. The Navy provided him an opportunity to do something he loved - travel the world. His adventures included visits to Japan, Australia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Guam, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, & Burma. After ten years of serving in the Armed Forces, Linton desired more time with his young family and was honorably discharged. In 1999, he joined the Police Academy at College of San Mateo and has worked as a Deputy for the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office since 2001. A devoted husband and father, Linton was fiercely proud of his wife, his children and their accomplishments. He worked hard daily to ensure his family had every opportunity to succeed. You could often hear him encouraging them to “Push on! Go forth. Excel!” It moved him to tears when his son, Alex, decided to follow in his footsteps by becoming a deputy sheriff. Linton and his siblings shared a unique and impenetrable bond. He cherished and protected their time together and loved them immensely. He also treasured his work and colleagues - they were a second family and he took great pride in bringing a strong work ethic and plenty of laughter. Linton was preceded in death by his mother Lurena Martin and his father Booker T. Martin. He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, and four children: Linton Alexander ( Alex) known as “Junior” in the San Francisco Deputy office, Gabriel, Malia and Aarika; one granddaughter, Sophia; his loving sister and brothers: Lurena Martin, Doug Martin, Booker Martin ( Latrelle); loving in- laws Joe & Daisy Tate; sisters- in- law Valerie Sullivan, Regina Banks, Janel Green ( Murrell); many nieces, nephews, a host of cousins and extended family. Linton was also dearly loved by many friends and his colleagues at the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office.

We are devastated by Linton’s passing and grateful for the many years of light and love he brought to our hearts.

Our family wishes to extend sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out with various acts of kindness. It eases our pain to know the impact Linton made on your lives. We appreciate your sincere love for us and the ways you have honored him by sharing your kind words and memories.