Martin, Donald Dee

67 of Phoenix, passed away on September 26, 2017. Donald Dee Martin, 67, passed away on September 26, 2017, at home, surrounded by family, in Phoenix, Arizona from multiple myeloma. He was the husband of Rebecca Breeding Martin with whom he shared more than 34 years of marriage. Born in Los Angeles, California, Donald was the son of Albert Alexander Martin and Mary Ellen Aguilar Martin. He earned a choral conducting degree from California State University at Fullerton where he studied with David Thorsen and Howard Swan. He sang under the direction of William Hall and Roger Wagner as a professional chorister and toured nationally and internationally with several choral organizations. Later, he was employed at the Boeing Company, their Helicopter Division in Mesa, Arizona, where he worked in Human Resources, received a Human Resources degree from the University of Ottawa, and worked in many HR capacities over his 32 years with the company. Donald is survived by his wife Rebecca, his three children Victoria Ann Martin (with first wife Patricia Centofante), Joshua David Martin and Matthew Alexander Martin, granddaughter Mila Avery Rebellino, brother Lewis Wayne Martin and sister Frances Martin Tiveron, and is predeceased by his brother Raymond Martin. Donald was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Phoenix, where he served in leadership roles and sang in the Sanctuary Choir. He also enjoyed playing golf with family, friends, and colleagues. He will be remembered for his warm good humor, his special laugh, his devotion to his family, and his natural ability to offer an understanding ear to any tense situation. The memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Central United Methodist Church, Central Avenue at Palm Lane, Phoenix, at 1:30PM. Interment will be immediately after at the church’s Columbarium. Reception will follow interment at the church. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers should go to the Central United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir.