Harold "Curly" Otto Martin, Jr.

Harold O. Martin, Jr., age 83, resident of Clarkdale, Arizona, passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at his home. He was born on November 11, 1922 in New Albany, Indiana to Harold O. Martin, Sr. and Grace Martin. Harold attended school in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from high school, he entered the machinist apprentice program at General Electric in Ft. Wayne. He enlisted in the army after the outbreak of World War II, reaching the rank of Corporal. While in the army, he received training in engineering at Lafayette College in Easton, PA, until being sent to Europe with the 84th Infantry Division in September of 1944. He returned home and was discharged in 1945. After returning to Ft. Wayne, he married Wilma Wolfe and started his first career in the business and office machine industry. His career took him, his wife, and two children first to the Chicago area, and finally to northern California, where he was involved in the creation of the first electronic "Point of Sale" machines. After retiring in 1984, he started his second career, along with his wife, making and selling craft items. Woodworking and crafts remained his hobby throughout his life. In 1991, Harold again retired and moved with his wife to Arizona. In Arizona, he became involved with the Verde Valley Christian Church, ultimately becoming the senior's Minister. His duties included being Chaplain at local hospitals and performing Sunday Services at nursing homes. He continued as a minister until his final retirement two months before his death. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Wilma I. Martin, his daughter, Milena Martin-Arana with her husband Dave Arana; his son, Kirk Martin with his wife Sharon Olsen; his grandson, David Landan with his wife Eden and their son Ben. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 10:00am at the Verde Valley Christian Church, 3605 S. Zalesky Rd., in Cottonwood, Arizona. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com