VAN BUREN – Lionel J. Martin, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Wednesday morning, Nov. 3, 2010. Lionel was born June 4, 1915, in Van Buren, the eldest surviving son of Joseph Martin and Sarah (Goguin) Martin, and was one of 18 children. Lionel was raised and educated in Van Buren, helping his dad with the family’s chicken farm and hair cutting business. After graduating from Van Buren Boys High School in 1934, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving a first tour of duty from 1935 to 1937. Lionel joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and ventured out throughout Maine where he assisted in construction and repair of bridges, dams, fire towers and clearing trails. During World War II he re-enlisted and was selected for Officer Candidate School and then commissioned upon graduation. He served in the South Pacific, including the Philippines, and served in the Military Police Division of the Army escorting prisoners from New York to Texas. He was eventually promoted to the rank of captain and served as commander of a prisoner of war camp. Lionel returned to Van Buren where he met the love of his life, Janet Morrow. They were married for 62 years and had five loving children. Lionel worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Van Buren delivering mail to residents on foot and eventually became a clerk until his retirement at age 65. During his lifetime in Van Buren he built a camp on Long Lake, where he especially enjoyed the summer months watching his family grow up. He and his wife, Janet, loved to bowl, play cards, play golf, cross-country ski and travel around the country. He especially loved and enjoyed taking his family out to restaurants, sharing in much conversation. Lionel was a life member and past commander of American Legion, Levasseur-Farrell Post 49, Van Buren, and Disabled American Veterans, Parent-Ouellette Chapter 9. Lionel is survived by his loving wife, Janet of Van Buren; his son, Steve Martin of Limestone; his son, Colin Martin of Falmouth; his daughter, Janna Griffith of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; his twin daughters, Robin St. Germain of Naples, Fla., and Marie Coyne of Indianapolis; one brother, Peter Martin of Van Buren; two sisters, Theresa Brochu of Bradenton, Fla., and Celine Cochenour of Baltimore; and three grandchildren, Conor Martin, Sarah Griffith and William Griffith. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Committal service and interment will be in the parish cemetery. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.
LIONEL J. MARTIN
