Peter Elwood Martin

January 14, 1937 - January 11, 2014

Peter Elwood Martin, 76, unexpectedly died in San Ysidro, CA on Saturday, January 11, 2014. Online condolences may be left at www.fullertonfh.com. A Visitation will be Monday, January 27, 2014 from 5-8 pm at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St. S.E., Mason City. A Graveside Service will be at 10 am on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery with Military Honors by the Iowa National Guard. Chaplin Jerome Baker from the VFW will be officiating. Peter was born January 14, 1937, in Mason City, IA, to the late Dr.Edward C. and Berlina A. Martin. Peter was third eldest of eight children. He was very active in sports in junior high and high school. He ran track, wrestled, and played football. In December 1953, he became an Eagle Scout. In September 1955, Peter earned the Explorer Silver Award. In 1954' he persuaded his parents to allow him to join the Iowa National Guard before graduating from Mason City High School in1955. He served with the 1133rd Transportation Unit from May 1954 until September 1957. In the interim, he attended junior college (now North Iowa Area Community College). Following graduation, Peter went on active duty with the U.S. Army. He served from June1958, until being medically retired in December 1963. He served with the C Battery, 2nd Missile Battalion, 56th Artillery in Pirmacens and Salswoog, Germany, guarding Nike, Ajax and Hercules missiles. He worked in Denver, Colorado, for several years until moving to California. After working in Arizona for a few years, he began traveling extensively throughout the western states and Canada before returning to California and lived there until his death. He enjoyed reading biographies and anything concerning military history. He enjoyed watching old movies. He loved playing with his nieces and nephews. Peter's service connected mental health issues eventually caused him to become homeless for decades. After a 22 year search, he was located in Oxnard, California. Because he had been incorrectly declared dead by the military, it took months before he was recognized by the Veteran’s Administration. At the time of his death, there were still unresolved issues with Defense Finance Accounting Service. Peter is survived by his sisters, Melanie Martin Taylor, Oakland, California; and Christine Epstein, San Diego, California. He is survived by his brothers Dr. Edward and his wife, Dr. Evelyn Gliege Martin, Grants Pass, Oregon; Richard and his wife, Orita Martin, Denver, Colorado; Allen Martin and Dixie Willis, Mason City, and Dr. David Martin and Eileen Drees, Carroll, IA; aunts, Delores Owens, Rockford, Illinois; Hattie Martin, Moline, Illinois; uncle, Robert (Odette) Martin, Chicago, Illinois. Peter was preceded death by his parents; sister, Cynthia Turner; sister-in-law, Christine Martin; and niece, Gail Martin. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Peter's memory could be made to the Boy Scouts. It can be sent to the Winnebago Council, 2929 Airport Road, Waterloo, IA 50703 Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St SE, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-8676 www.Fullertonfh.com