Dale R. Martin

Dale R. Martin, 78 of Billings, passed away the evening of May 3rd, at the Southwest Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Boise, ID due to complications resulting from heart bypass surgery performed at Billings Clinic.

Dale was born, the third of four children, to Russell and Norma Martin, in Prairie Creek, Arkansas on July 24th, 1933. After graduating high school in Mansfield, AR he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Upon discharge from the Army, Dale relocated to southern California where he met the love of his life, Diane Wingert, while working at one of the local aeronautical companies. They were married September 14th, 1957.

In 1960 Dale started working for Ross Cook Inc. later known as Aware Tube Systems as a pneumatic tube systems installer and repairman. He later purchased his first home in Manhattan Beach, CA. In November 1967, Dale & Diane celebrated the birth of their only child Dale Jr. The three later moved to Torrance, CA. In 1996 Dale retired from Aware Tube Systems after 36 years of faithful service. Two years later Dale and Diane moved to Billings, MT to be near their son who had married and moved to Billings.

Dale had many hobbies throughout his life the biggest of which was reading. He enjoyed reading the local newspaper, and for many years, National Geographic. Dale had a passion for the weather, always watching the evening news and the local weather forecast. He also loved to fix mechanical and electronic items, and was continuously working on home improvement projects.

Dale was married for 45 years when his precious Diane passed away in 2002. Dale was very outgoing and made friends easily. He always had a funny comeback to whatever was said to him. He made many friends in the Billings community, especially after his son and daughter-in-law moved to the Portland, OR area in late 2005. Dale spent a great deal of time talking with his friends and family over the phone, especially with his son, at least three or four times a week. He also spent time with a special family that was close to his heart.

Dale is survived by his son Dale Martin Jr. of Portland, OR; sister Jean Brown of Dallas, TX; brother James Martin of Fort Smith, AR; and granddaughter Brittany Welsh of Torrance, CA.

Even though we grieve because you are gone, you will always be in our hearts. And we know that one day we will see you again in Heaven. Take care my loving father, I'll see you again one day.

Funeral Services are 1pm, Tuesday, May 15th at Michelotti-Sawyers, with interment to follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.

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