Stuart F. Martin

Stuart Fonda Martin

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Stuart (Stu) Fonda Martin died at age 92 on Saturday, February 2, 2019. He was predeceased by his parents Louis and Elizabeth Martin, his sister Nancy Martin Bull, his son David Martin and granddaughter Kristin Webber.

Born July 13, 1926 in San Francisco, California to Louis LeRoy Martin, COL, US Army , and Elizabeth Leger (Fonda) Martin. Stu graduated from Sewanee Military Academy, Sewanee, TN in 1944.  He graduated from the United Stated Military Academy at West Point in 1949, with a degree in Military Science where his life was changed when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. (His father graduated from West Point in 1917.)During the Korean War, he served as a platoon leader with the 21st Infantry Regiment and as a platoon leader with the 6th Tank Battalion. He later served a second tour in Korea and another in Vietnam.

Stu taught R.O.T.C at the University of Pennsylvania and met and married his dearly loved wife, Betty Lucille Hilton on June 4, 1955. He earned a Masters degree in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas in 1961 and graduated from the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth in 1962. Stu served as a petroleum logistics officer at the Defense Fuel Supply Center and at duty stations in Germany, Belgium and France. He also served as Purchasing and Contracting Officer at West Point where he became a member of the Superintendent’s Staff. Stu served as Logistics Assistance Officer at Fort Bliss, Texas where he was awarded the Legion of Merit when he retired in 1977 with 28 years of service. During his career in the United States Army, Stu was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Bronze Star.

Throughout his career, Stu was active with the Officers Christian Fellowship as regional coordinator, served as the local president of Protestant Men of the Chapel, and he and Betty led the International Chapel Young Adult department at SHAPE Headquarters in Mons, Belgium. Stu wished to be remembered as someone who truly loved the Lord, his wife, his children and their families. He also cherished the people of Prince Avenue Baptist Church where he served as deacon and Sunday School class teacher. He also served with The Gideon’s International.

Stu is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Hilton Martin, daughter Cindi Martin Webber (Dan) of Athens, Georgia and 6 dear grandchildren and 7 very special great grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors from 3:00-4:00p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Lord & Stephens West.

The memorial service will take place on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 4:00p.m. at Lord & Stephens West.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes https://www.fca.org/donate or The Gideons International https://www.gideons.org/donate

Lord and Stephens, West, Watkinsville, is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com