Donald James Martin 1945 to 2010

MARTIN, BROWN, HOUGHTON, DELLACA, PETERSON, HOPKINS, MCDOWELL, TONCHE

Posted By: James Mincks (email)
Date: 1/3/2011 at 21:59:24

Donald James Martin, 65, passed away December 27, 2010 at the Altoona Nursing & Rehabilitation Center after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease and colon cancer. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 31 at the Christian Church Disciples, 101 N. Locust St, Colfax, Iowa at 10 a.m. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Donald was born October 16, 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the second of seven children born to David L. Martin Sr. and Betty Ella (Brown) Martin. Don served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam War from 1963 to 1966 earning the Good Conduct Medal, Expert M-1 Rifle Medal, Sharp Shooter M14 Medal, along with the Viet Nam Service Medal. Don was proud to have served his country.

He is survived by his sons, Rick and Don Houghton; step-children, Mike (Hollie) Dellaca, Don Dellaca, Kimberly (Joe) Dellaca and David (Saundra) Dellaca; brother, Ron (Linda) Martin; sisters, Pegi Peterson, Ruth (Bill) Hopkins, Jeannie (Bob) McDowell and Betty Tonche. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Eugene Wade Martin; brother, David L. Martin Jr. and both of his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their wonderful care of our brother. A special thank you to our sister Jeannie for all the time and love she had for Don during the past several years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 699 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 in his memory.

*Note*
Don was a good friend as well as a co-worker, when we worked for the Younkers warehouse in the Mid 80's in Des Moines. Don's son, Eugene, was the second Register paper carrier to disappear from his route, and not find any trace of him.

taken from the Des Moines Register, Metro section; Wednesday, December 29, 2010; page 4B, columns 3 & 4.