ST. FRANCIS – Hermel Martin, 85, died peacefully Feb. 26, 2012, surrounded by his family at home. He was born March 21, 1926, in St. Francis, son of Alex and Yvonne (Harvey) Martin.
Hermel was a member and past commander of St. Francis American Legion Jandreau – Connors Post No. 180, and he also belonged to Fort Kent Veterans of Foreign Wars Lozier O’Grady Post No. 9609. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II, serving his country over seas in Central Europe earning the EAME Campaign Medal.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Irene (Jandreau) Martin of St. Francis; 13 children, Barbara and her husband, Guy Roy, of St. David, Alton and his wife, Mona (Michaud) Martin, of Texarcana, Ark., Elaine and her husband, Nathaniel Crosby, of Wayne, Jason Martin of St. Francis, Iris and her husband, Alain Pelletier, of St. Hilaire, New Brunswick, Dana and his wife, Lisa (Lavoie) Martin, of Millinocket, Arnold Martin of St. Francis, Nola and her husband, John Daigle, of New Canada, Richard Martin of St. John, Stella and her husband, Luc Gagne, of Caron Brook, New Brunswick, Verona Martin of St. Francis, Lance and his wife, Pauline (Morin) Martin, of St. John, and Benita and her husband, Daniel Dionne, of Edmundston, New Brunswick; one sister, Anna Rioux of Texas; one brother, Albert and his wife, Annie Martin, of Presque Isle; and one sister-in-law, Albertine Martin of Fort Kent. He is also survived by 41 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one daughter, Mavis Lisa Martin; and one brother, Leon Martin.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, and 8:30-10 a.m. Thursday at Daigle Funeral Home, Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian burial with full military honors will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, March 1, at St. Charles Catholic Church, St. Francis. Spring burial will be held Friday, May 18, at the parish cemetery. Those who wish may make donations in Hermel’s memory to Hospice of Aroostook, P.O. Box 688, Caribou, ME 04736; or Fort Kent Right to Life, P.O. Box 186, Fort Kent Mills, ME 04744.