Local Couple Celebrates 75th Wedding Anniversary
Jerry and Evelyn Martin were married October 6, 1942. Jerry, 95, and Evelyn, 92, have lived in the same home in Friendly Valley for the last 40 years.
It was the beginning of World War II when the Martins eloped in Las Vegas, where they were able to get married even though Evelyn wasn’t legally old enough. Shortly after the wedding, Jerry enlisted in the Navy, and they moved to Oklahoma, where he was a naval machinist and instructor. Their only child, Kathleen, was born in Oklahoma.
After Jerry was discharged in 1946, the family moved back to Los Angeles, where Jerry worked for the L.A. City Fire Department until he retired in 1966. They moved to Bishop, where they spent their early retirement years enjoying the high Sierras, with a particular love for fishing at Convict Lake. They eventually made their way to the Santa Clarita Valley to be closer to their family.
In Friendly Valley, Jerry and Evelyn have enjoyed many years of golf and other social activities in the community. Jerry was very active in the Old West Masonic Lodge. They have lived a very full, active and happy life.
Over the last 5 years they have celebrated all the big milestones with their family and large circle of friends – Jerry’s 90th birthday and their 70th anniversary back in 2012, and Evelyn’s 90th birthday in 2015 – each time hosting a large party at Le Chene restaurant including a DJ and dancing. They celebrated their 75th anniversary on Saturday October 7 with a smaller gathering at the home of their granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Beverly and Riel Johnson.
Jerry and Evelyn have been great role models for their family, always living a simple life, focused on family and friends and their shared activities. They are wonderful grandparents to their 2 granddaughters and their 7 great grandchildren. And to this day, the love they have for each other is stronger than anything, always seeing them through during difficult times. Jerry and Evelyn are truly a special couple!