Eugene Francis Martin, Billings, Mont., passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2007, at the age of 77.
Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, Billings, with a vigil at 7 p.m.
A funeral Mass is at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Billings.
A rite of committal will follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, Billings.
Eugene "Gene" was born on Dec. 31, 1929, in Lefor, and was the third of seven children born to Nick and Rose Martin. He was raised on the family farm near Lefor, and attended grade school and high school at St. Elizabeth School, graduating in 1948.
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He then attended Dickinson State Teachers College and graduated from North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton.
Eugene met Caroline Marie Tormaschy in the spring of 1948 and they were married on April 22, 1952, in St. Phillips Church. Hirschville. They were married for 53 years.
In 1955, Gene started his career in the airline industry with Frontier Airlines, Wolf Point, Mont., He was then transferred to Miles City, Mont., as station manager from 1962 until 1970, when he was later transferred to Billings, Mont. He continued his career with Frontier Airlines until they ceased operations in 1986. He then worked for Continental Airlines until his retirement in June 1994.
Eugene also had several successful side-businesses; Miles Trophy House and The Rusty Nail Frame Shop.
Gene and Caroline enjoyed bowling and playing cards with their friends on the weekends.
During their retirement years, Gene and Caroline enjoyed camping and fishing throughout Montana. They were members of the Big Sky Polka Club where Gene was the secretary-treasurer for several years. They were also members of the Moose Lodge.
Eugene is survived by his four sons, Duane (Cari) Martin, Gerald (Patty) Martin, Dennis (Mary Beth) Martin and Dwight (Vickie) Martin, all of Billings; one daughter, Geraldine Lucht (Robin), Helena, Mont.; 10 grandchildren, Kim, Jacee, Aaron, Kevin, Brad, Jennell, Nathan, Tyler, Jason and Alecia; seven great-grandchildren, Michaela, Savannah, Dustin, Deetra, Thomas, Adam and Jordan; two brothers, Raymond (Johanna) Martin, Cour d'Alene, Idaho, and Nick (Evie) Martin, Grand Junction, Colo.
Eugene is preceded in death by his wife, Caroline; parents, Nick and Rose Martin; three sisters, Louise Kirschenheiter, Loretta Krug and Viola Kopp; and one brother, Jerome Martin.
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Dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, you will be forever in our hearts! We love you and will miss you greatly!
Memorials may be made to the St. Thomas Catholic Church Renovation Fund.
(Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, Billings)
