While in the Air Force he met his wife, Darlene Klatt, at a USO dance in Marshalltown, Iowa. They married April 13, 1944 in Amarillo, Texas. On February 10, 2010, Darlene passed away after a short illness.
Throughout Judge Martin´s education at the University of Montana Law School, he taught school, returning to work on the family farm during the summers. Judge Martin graduated from the University of Montana Law School with a Juris Doctor degree in 1947 and spent 18 years in private law practice in Baker, part of that time as the Fallon County Attorney.
In 1965 he was appointed District Judge for the 16th Judicial District. Judge Martin had a great respect and love for the law and handled a variety of interesting and controversial cases. During his judicial career he was called to sit on the Supreme Court of Montana numerous times. Judge Martin served for a number of years as Chairman of the State of Montana Commission on Practice and as President of the Montana State Judges Association. He described some of his happier times while on the Bench to include adoptions, the Naturalization of a Belgium immigrant, and the wedding of a close neighbor.
After Judge Martin´s retirement in 1989, Art and Darlene spent the better part of their retirement years in Mesa, Arizona, returning permanently to Miles City in 2006 due to Art´s health. Through Darlene´s untiring devotion and loving care of Art, his family and friends were gifted with an additional six years of his presence in their lives.
Together, Art and Darlene raised five children: Joan (Darrell) Johnson of Baker, Susan Hartman of Spokane, Washington, David (Shirley) Martin of Sterling, Colorado, Julie (Bob) Lake of Missoula, and Steven Martin of Miles City. They were blessed with 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Judge Martin was predeceased by his parents and three sisters, an infant son, James, an infant grandchild, Patrick Justin Lake, and his wife Darlene.
Judge Martin was a wonderful husband, and a great father and grandfather. He was a man of few words, soft-spoken, and possessed a dry sense of humor. In short, he was an extraordinary man who touched and profoundly influenced not only his own children´s lives, but also the people who came in contact with him in his judicial capacity.
A memorial service honoring Judge Martin will be held on Friday, October 7, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City followed by burial with military honors at the Eastern Montana State Veteran´s Cemetery in Miles City, Montana.
Carole Carey says
As a former Clerk of Dist. Court of Carter County, I always enjoyed working with Judge Martin. He was always thoughtful and kind to the Clerks. A true gentleman. He lived a good long life, but certainly will be missed by those who knew him.
Lenore (Hartse) and Eloise Beach says
Our prayers and thought are sure with the families at this time of loss. He will be greatly missed but in a better place. God Bless.
Kathy Newell says
JoAnn and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your fahter and/or grandfather. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are sent your way in this time of sorrow. Kathy, Dale, Dallas, Kelby Newell
Joe S. Smith, Court Reporter says
It was always a pleasure to work a case with Judge Martin when he was called to Billings to help out. He was truly one of the really good judges in Montana.
Louise Palm says
Dear JoAnn,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Louise and Wally
April Bruha says
Joan and the Martin family~ I feel very blessed to have the time to know Art. He was such a sweet man and would always have a smile for you when you said hello. He will be greatly missed.
Wanda Reed says
JoAnn, Steven, and family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed Art alot, he was such a joy to work with, never a complaint and always appreciative for what you done for him.
ArLynn Archer says
As a retired Powder River County District Court Clerk(Sixteenth Judicial District Court) I had the great privilege to work with a truly great judge–the Honorable Arthur B. Martin. I also enjoyed occasionally seeing him in Miles City after both of us retired.
May God Bless him and his family.
Connie Schaefer says
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He lived a very good life..Steve you should be glad that you got to spend the rest of his lifetime with you. You and your families are in my prayers. Connie
Rita and Bill Hanley says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Judge Martin finalized the adoption of our son, some 30 years ago and he told us at that time it was one of his happiest tasks as a judge. I remember walking into the courtroom and being so nervous and he put us at ease right away with his kind smile and words. God Bless his memory.
George Birtic says
So sorry to hear of Judge Martin’s death. I had so much respect for him ever since I was in high school at Baker. Joan sorry for your loss.
Gale & Elaine Severson says
To the Martin Cousins:
You were blessed with a dad that was gracious, gentle & caring…expressed with few words, but so genuine! You all are in our prayers & thoughts!
Heidi Barth says
I am so very sad to hear about Art. I had the joy of being one of his CNAs during the past two summers. You can imagine that it didn’t take too long before I fell in love with him; he is an incredible man who will always be locked in my heart. As I think about the time I got to spend with him I can’t help but smile. I will forever carry with me the joy of getting to know such a wonderful person. Love and prayers to his family.
Libby Barth says
My heart is very sad about Art. I have had the pleasure of knowing him for the past three years as a CNA. Art was an incredibly happy man and he was such a blessing. On a day when I felt sad, he would simply wink at me, and my whole world got better. I will miss him, but he will forever be in my heart. My love and prayers are with your family.