Dennis Carl Martin

Dennis Carl Martin, was born December 13, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the oldest of 5 children born to Dudley Paxton and Marie (Jenkins) Martin. He was a 1964 graduate of Shortridge High School; he received an Associate's Degree from Los Angeles Trade Technical Junior College, in Los Angeles; and a recipient of a Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University, Northridge, California. He moved to the West Coast to begin his college education. Dennis received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Air Force in 1969. He was based in Northern California and then in Alaska. After leaving the military, he lived briefly in Boston, before moving back to Los Angeles to continue his education in 1970.

Going to high school, his first job was a Butler University. While living in Los Angeles, he was employed by Peterson Baby Products and U.S. Borax Company. After bringing his family back to Indianapolis in 1989, he was employed by Mid America Clinical Labs; National Government Services; and Nestle Beverage Company. Dennis retired in 2010.

A Christian man, Dennis actively made sure his family became affiliated with Christ-centered church. In Los Angeles, he was a member of Brookins AME Community Church and then Zoe Community Church. Moving back to Indianapolis in 1989, he began looking for a church home and soon affiliated with Eastern Star Church in 1990 and then became a member in 1993. He was a former member of Eastern Star's Pastor's Adi Ministry and currently a member of Eastern Star's Servants in Action Ministry.

On July 12, 2012, Dennis became a recipient of a double lung transplant. It was a rough first year for him, but he made a lot of acquaintances from his hospital stay with the staff and other transplant patients. After getting back on his feet, he began going to a fitness center where he again added more acquaintances to his life.

Dennis met his wife, Gloria, briefly when they were 12. They again crossed paths 2 years later in the same home room at Shortridge HS. They were best friends during high school and after graduation. They began dating at age 24 and married 2 years later. Outside of his wife, his greatest pride, are his children, Scott and Jennifer. They day they were born, he said, was his 2 most favorite days.

Dennis's hobbies were painting on canvas and refurbishing old or discarded furniture. Over the years, he was able to sell many of his artwork. When he completed a refurbishing project, it was amazing how he could change the look and the style of the furniture pieces. In the garage, there was always a piece of furniture awaiting his attention.

Dennis passed away January 31, 2023. he is preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Kris Andrew Martin. He leaves his wife, Gloria, son, Scott Elliott Martin (Johana), daughter, Jennifer Brooke Martin, grandsons, Dylan S. Helena, Cason A. Glover, Cyden J. Glover, Iken A. Martin, great-granddaughter, Haven M. Martin, brother, Ronald Martin, sisters, Sheila Martin, Wanda Martin, and Diane Martin, aunts, uncles, and a host of cousins.