Thomas Joseph Martin, age 67, of Britton, SD passed away Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Marshall County Healthcare Center in Britton.
Tom Martin was born in Binghamton, NY on May 28, 1953 to Thomas and Dorothy (Yacko) Martin. He grew up there and graduated from Binghamton HS in 1971. He enjoyed growing up around his brothers and cousins. He went to college at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where he graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. His first professional job as a Soil Scientist at South Dakota State University brought him to Aberdeen, SD in 1977.
He married Diane Welke in August of 1982 in Aberdeen. They started their family there and moved to Britton in 1987 where Tom was the District Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service until he retired in 2012. Since then, he served as a member of the Board of Directors.
Tom was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather who loved his family dearly. Tom enjoyed spending time fishing, hunting, gardening, and woodworking. He also loved spending time with his grandsons. His grandsons learned how to fish, shoot BB guns, and draw with him.
He has had many years of challenges with his health. Tom received a kidney transplant in 1990. In the last 6 years, he slowly started to lose his ability to walk which caused him to not be able to do what he had planned later in life. He would never complain and remained the selfless, patient, kind person he had always been.
He will be deeply missed by his wife Diane Martin of Britton; stepson, Bret (Michele) Asmussen & family of Minneapolis, MN; son Colin (Carrie) Martin, Fargo, ND; son, Andrew Martin, West Fargo, ND; brother, David (Shelia) Martin, Binghamton, NY; grandsons, Cole and Crew Martin, Fargo, ND.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Dorothy and brother Keith.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at 11:00 am at Cornerstone Bible Church in Britton, SD. All are welcome to come.
Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen.
I will always remember back so many years ago Tom’s generous nature. Tom and Diane lived in Aberdeen at the time. Occasionally, I would need to borrow Tom’s lawn mower. He graciously lent it to me IF I helped him in the garden, and IF I went grocery shopping with Diane. She had a tendency to stray from the shopping and it took forever to get done.
Thank you Tom.
Diane and family, my sincere sympathies to all of you on your loss.
Growing up with Tom was more than just having a cousin; he was a partner, friend, and constant companion. The many, many adventures and experiences that we shared formed us forever and I know that I am a better person because of Tommy. Distance may have separated us, but the bond that we formed from childhood was never broken or diminished. His spirit will be with me forever.
To Diane and family, please accept my sincere condolences and prayers.
Tommy was a great cousin and a great friend. Whenever I would visit my dad in Little Falls MN it seemed like I’d just get to the driveway and Tommy would be pulling in just to get some family time. He taught me so much – I first learned about Taj Mahal and Fishing Blues when he played it on his guitar at Black Lake NY. God bless you Tom.
I am just one of the many farmers that knew Tom throught the Conservation Service. Tom made it all easy and enjoyabe even. Wish we could stop in again.
Prayers with his family.
I worked with Tom for the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe in the tribal realty department. He was one of the most intelligent people I have ever worked with. He taught me so much and his employment with the tribe was very valuable. I will always remember his smile and his willingness to teach and assist in anything he was asked to do. I would also visit him when he worked with the tribal fish and wildlife department he was a very dedicated man and I sure will miss him. My condolences to his family.
My Sweet Cousin and her wondeful sons have already found their lives changed forever. Tears exchanged between joy and happiness for Tom and their sadness in his loss shall be replaced with acceptance in the following days and their lives will turn to happiness for the years God loaned Tom to them. This Gentle Giant will be missed by Froonie, by his sons and by our family. I love you, Tom. Thanks for the memories, for the kindness we learned to imitate from you, and for a life of Faith and Humility that will forever live in those who knew you. Hugs, Nancy