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Lyal A. Martin, 94
Lyal Martin passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2017, at Life Care Center of Post Falls at the age of 94.
Lyal was born on Oct. 12, 1922, in Ekalaka, Mont., to Fred and Delia Martin and was the seventh of eight surviving children. When Lyal was 6 months of age, the family traveled west in their “wagon-home” to the Spokane area where they resided for many years.
After Lyal graduated from Springdale High School, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Upon graduating from flight school in Coffeyville, Kan., Lyal was commissioned as a 1st Lt. and began his honorable career serving our country. During World War II, he flew many different aircrafts as well as a P-38 doing photo reconnaissance.
In 1947, Lyal married Bertha (Marty) Purinton in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and had three children. During Lyal’s 30 years of active duty in the Air Force, the family adventured to many places including Okinawa, Guam, England, Illinois, Maryland and California. After collecting a lifetime of memories and earning the rank of Colonel with the USAF, Lyal and Marty retired to Coeur d’Alene in 1972.
During retirement from 1972 to 1976, Lyal drove a school bus and was loved by his “Hayden Lake Rt. #25” kids. His love for the kids also showed as he installed a stereo on his bus and was well-known for his playful teasing. When the kids became too loud and unruly, he would pull over the bus and read a book. After a while, the kids would say, “Lyal, what’s up?” He would glance back in the mirror and with his charming smile say, “oh, are you ready to settle down and go home?” They loved him!
After surgery for a brain tumor in 1976, Lyal was no longer able to continue driving a school bus. Although this saddened him greatly, he was able to keep himself busy helping others. He loved to serve others and was quite the handyman. He helped build two of his kid’s homes and also helped to build the United Methodist Church in Coeur d’Alene. As family was so important, he loved to attend his kid’s and grandkids’ sporting events. For many years, Lyal and Marty were also members of the Good Sam’s group and spent much of their time traveling and camping in the Northwest.
After Marty’s passing in 2004, Lyal once again found love. He married Loretta Alligier and they lived in Clarkston, Wash.
Lyal was a devoted and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his seven brothers and sisters, and wife Bertha (Marty). Lyal is survived by his wife, Loretta; stepdaughter Illa Smith; children Linda (Terry) Siemers, Gary (Stephanie) Martin and Sherri (Ron) Gittel; grandchildren Dom and Erik Martin, Aaron and Micah Siemers, Jeremy, Adam and Josh Gittel; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Lyal lived a long and happy life and surrounded himself with family and friends. There was no such thing as a stranger to Lyal as he could always make friends everywhere he went. He loved and cared for everyone and will be greatly missed. Although he will be missed, Lyal leaves behind a legacy of love and memories with all whose lives he touched. Lyal will continue to live on through his family and will always have a special place in many of our hearts.
A visitation will be held from noon until 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene. A burial with Military Rites will be held at 1:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. Please visit Lyal’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be sent to: NewbyGinnings, (208) 610-6996, 570 S. Clearwater Loop, Unit A, Post Falls, ID 83854, [email protected].