Gene “Geno” Wilson Martin of Julian, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 22, 2022. A loyal husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. He left this world in peace at the young age of 93. Gene was born in Gettysburg, on December 29, 1928 to father Wilson R. Martin and mother Emma V. Snook. He started working at a young age at McFealey brick plant in Port Matilda for 12 years and then dedicated 32 years at the Cerro Copper & Brass Co. in Bellefonte, where he met some of his lifetime friends.
Gene married his love of his life, Joann Ricketts on August 15, 1948. They were married for 64 years and raised their family in Julian. Gene was a beloved father of Nancy (Warren) Walk of Julian, Connie (Doug) Miller of Julian and Cathy Bailey also of Julian. Proud grandfather of Tracey, Amy, Micah, Mandy, Rachel and Adam and great-grandfather of Dustin, Jade, Mason, Tearsa, Samantha, Chloe, Jordan, Elmerh, Madelyn and Theo. He is survived by his sisters Anna Haines of Julian, and Betty Gorsuch of Huntingdon. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings Elwood Martin Sr, Glenn Martin, Clarence Martin, Robert Martin, and Dorothy Tierney.
Gene loved the sport of baseball. He became a P.I.A.A. baseball and softball umpire in 1965 and enjoyed spending time on the field umpiring and coaching.
Gene loved the outdoors and was forever seen riding on his John Deere, where he perfected everyone’s lawn in town. Gene spent his last years living with his grandson, Micah and his family. He enjoyed watching people fish in his backyard, enjoyed family dinners, playing with his great-grandchildren and spending time with his daughters.
Gene will be honored with a visitation service on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at the Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home and Cremation Service Inc., 201 Spring St., Milesburg, from 6:00 P. M. – 8:00 P. M. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 P. M. with Pastor Jay Saldana, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Julian United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 188, Julian, PA 16844. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of The Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 201 Spring St., Milesburg. Online condolences may be made at www.deankwetzlerfuneralhome.com.