Clarence “Pepper” Martin, age 85, of 2600 South Hill Road #19, Gladstone, died Monday February 13, 2006, at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. 

Clarence was born, October 26, 1920, in Rapid River, the son of George and Elsie (Mosier) Martin.  He was raised in the Rapid River/Perkins area and attended the Perkins schools.  On September 22, 1942, Clarence was drafted into the United States Army Air Force, serving during WWII in the 5th Airforce, overseas duty, in the South Pacific.  During his years in the military, Clarence was issued the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal and the Philippine Liberation Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star for his service to his country.  Clarence was honorably discharged in December of 1945.  Following his enlistment and on May 4, 1946, Clarence married the former Jeanette Rose Chenier, at the Holy Family Catholic Church, in Flat Rock.  Together the couple resided in Escanaba, for a short period of time, before relocating to Lower Michigan where Clarence furthered his education in business machine repair.  In 1950, Clarence and Jeanette moved to Milwaukee, WI where Clarence eventually gained employment, for the Olivetti Corporation, as a business machine repairman.  While employed for the Olivetti Corporation, Clarence made the Presidential Club seven consecutive times and in 1966 he was awarded an outstanding award as top service engineer in the Midwest area.  Clarence was employed for the Olivetti Corporation for 31 years, retiring in 1979.  Clarence and Jeanette lived in Milwaukee until 1981, at which time, the couple moved back to the Rapid River/Gladstone area where they have remained since.  Clarence was a member of the Hiawatha Land CCC’s (Civilian Conservation Corp.), life long member of the Rapid River American Legion Walter W. Cole post # 301, life long member of the D.A.V. Chapter 19 out of Milwaukee, WI before transferring to the Escanaba Chapter 24 in 1981.  He was also a member of the Rapid River Lions Club.  He loved spending time with his granddaughter, playing games, fishing and spending time in the outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting, gardening and being an outdoorsman.  Family and friends remember Clarence for being a selfless, giving person who will be deeply missed. 

Survivors include, his wife Jeanette:
           
1 Son:  David Martin of Gladstone, MI
           
1 Daughter:  Pamela (Steven) Nygaard of Gladstone, MI
           
1 Brother:  Donald (June) Martin of Rapid River, MI
           
1 Granddaughter:  Marissa Rose Nygaard

Survivors also include, 1 brother in law, Joseph (Noelie) Chenier of Escanaba, MI, 1 sister in law, Bella Jacke of Escanaba, MI and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, George and Elsie, Clarence was preceded in death by:
           
1 Brother:  Robert Martin
           
5 Sisters:  Jean Johnson, Ruth Viau, Margie Martin, Doris Martin and infant sister Dorthy Martin

Family will receive friends on Friday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Military rites honoring Clarence “Pepper” Martin will follow visitation, at 7:00PM, on Friday, at the Skradski Funeral Home, by the Rapid River American Legion Walter W. Cole Post #301.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Clarence Martin will be held on Saturday, at 11:00AM, at the St. Charles Catholic Church, in Rapid River, with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo and Fr. Emmett Norden officiating.  Committal will be in the Rapid River Cemetery.  The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Martin family with arrangements.