Jerry B. Martin

Jerry B. Martin, longtime Moses Lake resident died unexpectedly in his home Monday, July 2, 2012.  He was 75.

Jerry was born July 1, 1937 in Watertown, New York to Jerry B. and Loretta (Bingham) Martin.  He was the youngest of 8 children.

He married Janis Crain in 1956.  They later divorced.

Jerry valiantly served in the U.S. Air Force after high school.  He was proud of his service, having worked on B-52's, U-2's and the SR 71.  He earned the Airman's Medal for Heroism in May of 1972 when he rushed to a burning aircraft and assisted in pulling the pilot out.  He undoubtedly saved the pilot from serious injury, and possibly from death.  He also earned the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement while stationed in Thailand in 1972.

Jerry retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of dedicated, honorable service.  He has resided in Moses Lake for approximately 40 years, the last 23 of those years he enjoyed sobriety.

Jerry enjoyed music and played the bass guitar in a country music band for several years.  He also enjoyed riding motorcycles.

Jerry is survived by his daughters Christine Fitzgerald (Jim) and Patricia Powers;  4 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Jerry requested no services, but there will be an informal "get together" at the Best Western Lakeside Hotel (Hallmark Inn) 3000 Marina Dr., Moses Lake, in the Lake Room on Saturday, July 7, 2012 from 3 - 5 p.m.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and sign the family's on-line guest book at www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com.

 Jerry's family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home to care for final arrangements.