Centralia resident, Christopher M. Martin, 77, passed away at Providence Centralia Hospital, July 9, 2019. He was born March 9, 1942, in Chehalis, Wash., to Paul F. Martin and Elizabeth Allen.
After graduating from Chehalis High School, Chris married Jean Elizabeth Gustafson July 15, 1963, in Sun Valley, Idaho. He loved cars, trains, engineering, tools and mechanics. Chris collected antique railroad lanterns and enjoyed learning about the different train lines, their companies and their history. He also enjoyed reading about aviation. Chris spent over 30 years driving for Associated Grocers, where he logged millions of accident-free miles and mentored new drivers. Chris's strong work ethic set an example for his children and coworkers.
His children have fond memories of visiting the Pacific coast with their father and revisit these cherished locations with their loved ones. Their favorite locations include Westport, Newport, Yachats and Crescent City. Chris instilled in his son a love of shooting and fishing, which is now being passed on to his grandchildren. Chris shared a love of cats and conversation with his daughter, Shannon.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Brian; daughter, Shannon; daughter-in-law, Jeanie Martin; son-in-law, Hani Ferhat; and grandchildren, Susan, Hannah, Liam and Ian.
Chris was preceded in death by his farther, Paul Martin; mother, Elizabeth Allen Fuller; step-dad, Bill Fuller; brother, Rob Fuller; and his daughter, Christine Martin.
A memorial service for Chris will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Newell-Hoerling's Mortuary Chapel. A reception will be held at the Centerville Café in Centralia following the service.
