LIMESTONE and CARIBOU – Kenneth Joseph Martin, 96, passed on Aug. 25, 2011, in Caribou. He was born July 17, 1915, the son of George and Mary Cote Martin.
When he was three years old his mother died and his Uncle John and Aunt Edith Ayotte raised him until he became an adult. He lived most of his life in Limestone, where became a successful farmer. He and a friend, George “Bud” Leighton, ran a flying service for a number of years. He was a very active member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Limestone. He was one of the first Eucharistic ministers at St. Louis Catholic Church. He was also a very active member of Knights of Columbus, where he served as grand knight. After retiring from farming he gardened for many years, sharing his produce with friends and neighbors. His greatest joy was making Rosaries. He made thousands of them throughout the years and gave them to people and organizations all over the world never asking for money for them.
He is survived by three daughters, Sylvia and her husband, Maurice White, of Castle Hill, Gloria Watson of Eureka, Ill., and Doria Martin of Eureka, Ill.; four stepsisters, Joan Daskal of Derry, N.H., Anna Hmuciuk of Andover, Mass., Leona Dubois of Derry, N.H., and Eleanor Noyes of Sandown, N.H.; one stepbrother, Donald Martin of Coconut Creek, Fla.; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 70 years, Phoebe; his brother, Jerome; stepbrothers, Albert Martin and Daniel Martin; and stepsister, Theresa Thibodeau.
Friends may call 9 a.m. until the time of service Monday, Aug. 29, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, with a Mass of Christian burial held 11 a.m. at Parish of the Precious Blood, Holy Rosary Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie officiating. Interment will take place at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Limestone.