LINCOLN – Albert E. Martel, Jr. MSGT Ret., 84, passed away on Dec. 23, 2003, at a Lincoln Hospital, after a very courageous battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 1, 1919 in Lynn, Mass., to Albert E. Martel Sr. and Sarah E. (Carr) Martel. Albert was in the U.S. Air Force for more than 25 years. He flew combat bombing missions over Europe during World War II as a radio operator-gunner. He survived a crash on the southern coast of England. In 1955, he was assigned to the 341st Refueling Squadron at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor as First Sergeant. After retiring in 1967 from the Air Force, he was employed by Spector Freight Systems in Portland as manager. In 1975, he and his first wife, Virginia, moved to Florida, where he obtained his realty license and worked for Deltona Corp. He retired once again in 1982, and moved back to Bangor. While still in the service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three clusters, ETO medal with two battle stars, Good Conduct Medal with five bars and several campaign medals. He was a life member of the American Legion and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a Life Member of the 303rd Bomb Group Association. He was past president and vice president of the Air Force Sgt.’s Association. Al worked at many careers, one of which was as a station agent. This was in his younger years and he did everything from being the telegrapher, to swinging the lantern for the train engineer to stop, to switching the tracks. In Portland, he was active in the United Way Campaigns and was a Major. He also was a member of the Maine Truck Owner Association, Member of the Delta Nu Alpha Fraternity. In 1982, he became a volunteer at EMMC for a total of 17 years. He had a total of almost 20,000 hrs. On moving to Lincoln in late 1999, he volunteered at Colonial Acres Healthcare for two years, leaving when he was forced to by failing health. He was a member of the Congo Men’s Club of the Lincoln Congregational Church. He is survived by his loving wife and companion, Gayle M. Hooke; brothers, Wilfred of Pennsylvania, and Thomas of New Hampshire. Further survived by son, Albert III of Plant City, Fla.; and a daughter, Loretta Logan and her husband, Richard Bissell, of Bangor; grandson, Benjamin Logan and wife, Jenifer; and great-granddaughter, Anyssa Jo of Gardiner. He is also survived by Gayle’s children and grandchildren, Jeffrey and Drew Hooke of Lincoln, and Lisa Hooke and Kristen Hooke of Alpine, Calif. He was predeceased by his first wife, Virginia, after 57 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by a brother, James Martel. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, two sisters-in-law and many, many friends. Al was an avid gardener, exercise buff, harmonica player, wonderful dancer and in his later years he took up golf and painting. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Gayle, especially going on cruises. Al was easy going and had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed people of all races and from all walks of life and was well thought of by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, at the Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Darrell Joiner officiating. Spring interment, with full military honors, will be in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society-Maine Division, or Ronald McDonald House of Maine, or a charity of one’s choice. For an online register book, please go to www.clayfuneralhome.com.
ALBERT E. MARTEL JR.
