Garnell Dixon Martin passed away April 16th, 2019 at the age of 73. He was the youngest son of Lydia and Dixon Martin of El Cajon, California. He served as a cook in the U. S. Army from 1966-68.  He cooked for generals and servicemen. After service, he moved back to California and started his career as an over-the-road truck driver. He managed to check off 48 states and was 10 miles from Alaska during his 35+ years on the road. He moved to Trego, Wisconsin in 1972 and thoroughly enjoyed the cold and snow and took every opportunity to plow snow, not only his own driveway, but everyone he knew in Trego. He loved to snowmobile and four-wheel on the trails in Northern Wisconsin. For the past 16 years, he was retired and served as the neighborhood “go to guy” for anyone and everyone who needed help. He had a mechanical aptitude and could fix almost anything that came his way. He always had a project in the works and loved to “wheel and deal”.  He loved to cook, bake, grill, and eat. At Christmas, he would bake assorted nut breads which he shared with friends and family.  He also really loved his garden and watching “Chippy” the chipmunk and the birds that came to his feeder. All who came in contact with him were affected by his generosity and compassion. He never knew a stranger and cherished every friendship he had.

Dearest to his heart were his wife, JoAnne and his children - Anne Marie DeBoard, son-in-law Kevin, grand-daughters Emily and Sarah; daughter JobyLynn Sassily-James; son Steven, daughter-in-law Julie (Berhow), grandson Thomas, granddaughter Samantha; daughter Danielle, son-in-law Adrian Leddy, granddaughter Aishling and grandson Kieran. Garnell is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and his brother Dwaine Martin and his wife Cherie along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Friday April 26th, 2019 at 10:30am at the Spooner Civic Center, 301 Walnut Street, Spooner, WI. Interment will be at 12 noon at the WI State Veteran’s Cemetery, followed by a luncheon back at the Civic Center. 

Last Update: Apr 22, 2019 9:30 am CDT