SULLIVAN – Paul Jay Martin, beloved husband of Lorene (Pelkey) Martin, passed away April 29, 2010, after a short illness. He was born Oct. 15, 1937, in Ashville, in the house in which he grew up. He was the youngest of five children to Arthur Hill Martin and Anna Emma (Andrews) Martin. Like so many families of the era, the Martin family was poor, and like so many children of the time, Paul went to work at a very young age to help his family put food on the table. At age 15, Paul was driving a tractor-trailer to Boston for his brother, Leroy. While attending Sumner Memorial High School, Paul met Lorene Pelkey. The two quickly fell in love, and were married March 5, 1955. The couple started a family soon afterward with the arrival of their daughter, Penny, and Paul dropped out of school to help support his family. In those early days, at age 17, he also drove a truck for E.D. Holt Oil Co., delivering fuel to gas stations. Paul, who never was afraid of hard work, put in many hours to help improve his family’s lot in life. A few years into the marriage, he started his own contracting business. Later he added long-haul trucking, snowplowing town roads for Gouldsboro and Sullivan, and a heating oil business with the help of his three sons, Paul, Brent and Blake, who he taught his work ethic. In later years, Paul retired one at a time from his businesses, moving on to other ventures. His efforts made him highly successful. Paul also took an interest in the town where he lived his entire life, serving on Sullivan planning board and budget committee. When work was needed on the Sullivan Grammar School’s playground, Paul was there, helping along with other fathers. At other times he donated the use of heavy equipment and his time to additional projects at town schools. Paul always took delight in a well-bargained deal, a hearty meal and a good laugh. He cherished summers on Flanders Pond, sitting in his favorite chair and looking over the pond. He also enjoyed bringing family and friends around the lake in his pontoon boat as entertainment. Paul and Lorene wintered in Dade City, Fla., where they added many more people to a large circle of friends. He was loved by family and friends, and will be dearly missed. Paul is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lorene; a daughter, Penny Martin-Fish and her husband, Greg, of Ellsworth; three sons, Paul and his longtime companion, Vicky Austin, Brent and his longtime companion, Mary Jordan, and Blake and wife, Rachel, all of Sullivan; six grandchildren, Amanda of Orland, Katie of Massachusetts, Shane and companion, Heather, of Sullivan, Casey of Hancock and Brooke and Tristan of Sullivan; three great-grandchildren, Cody, Kyle and Paige; a sister, Ruby Kiser of Tennessee; a brother, Leroy Martin of Bangor; his beloved cat, Shilo-Blu; and many, many, many friends. Paul was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, William and Arthur Jr. The family thanks the intensive care unit staff at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital for their loving care during Paul’s last days. There will be no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, at Simpson Cemetery, Sullivan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 98R, Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
PAUL JAY MARTIN
