FORT KENT and ST. FRANCIS – Leon Joseph Martin, 78, died peacefully Sept. 18, 2009, at a Fort Kent health facility. He was born Sept. 17, 1931, in St. Francis, son of the late Alex and the late Yvonne (Harvey) Martin. In his younger years, Leon was a cookie in the Northern Maine Woods, and then was called to serve his country in the Army during the Korean War, and continued working as a cook. He belonged to American Legion Jandreau-Connors Post No. 180 of St. Francis. His family enjoyed eating his famous homemade biscuits and gravy. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator for many years for Great Northern while also being a potato farmer. He loved dancing, gardening, fishing, traveling, playing cards with his friends, especially the card game “Trim” with his grandchildren, and spending time with “the Herms.” Leon will always be remembered by his family and friends for his infectious smile and sky blue eyes. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Albertine (Taggett) of St. Francis; one son, Gregory Martin and his special friend, Theresa McDonald, both of Stafford, Va; two daughters, Connie and her husband, Danny Dubois, of Dover, N.H., and Ann and her husband, Lee Ouellette, of Fort Kent; eight grandchildren, Sabrina, Tanya, Greg Leon, Dinah, Ashley, Danielle, Erika and Kadie; two brothers, Hermel and his wife, Irene Martin, of St. Francis and Albert and his wife, Annie Martin, of Presque Isle; one sister, Anna Rioux of Texas; many nieces and nephews. Friends may call 9 a.m. until the time of departure for St. Francis Monday at Daigle & Nadeau Funeral Home, Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated noon Monday at St. Charles Catholic Church, St. Francis, with Father Ouellette officiating. Committal services with full military honors will be afterward at St. Francis Cemetery. At the family’s request, those who wish may donate in Leon’s memory to the Maine Parkinson Society, Maine Medical Center – Scarborough, 100 U.S. Route 1, Unit 106, Scarborough, ME 04074 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160B, Portland, ME 04101. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
LEON JOSEPH MARTIN
