Rex Martin

Rex G. Martin, age 82, passed away at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI on April 18, 2012, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Son of the late Gaylord and Beryl (Daniel) Martin, Rex was born in Gratiot Co., Michigan February 13, 1930. He attended Midland schools, graduating from Midland High School in 1948; then attended Michigan Technological Institute for two years before answering to the duty of his country and joining the Air Force, where he served for four years during the Korean War. Rex was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi and Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

Rex pursed a long career in chemistry at Dow Chemical and was involved in environmental recovery projects before his retirement.

As a young man, Rex built the family home in a wooded area of Mills Township, assisted by his beautiful wife Helen and children.

That house and the many acres of woodlands and farmlands will exist in the minds of his his children and grandchildren. Wonderful memories were enjoyed there. He was a loving grandfather with endless patience.

Rex married Helen Frayer on January 4, 1951 in Lansing, Michigan. Following his service in the Air Force, they returned to Midland, where they were happily married 50 years. Helen predeceased Rex in 2001, after a battle with ALS, during which Rex lovingly cared for her.

Rex was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He worked for Dow Chemical Company for 34 years, retiring in 1983. He was an active Boy Scout leader and served for sixteen years as Mills Township Treasurer.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Munson Medical Center and Tendercare Traverse City for the compassionate care that he received.

Rex is survived by his children: son Greg (Maria) Martin of Temecula, CA, daughters Debra (John) Mieske of Traverse City, MI and Tamara (Barry) Havens of Ontario, NY; grandchildren Marc (Bridget) Mieske of Houston, TX, Eric (Chris) Mieske of Overland Park, KS, Ana Mieske of Shawnee, KS and Nathan Havens of Ontario, NY; a sister, Tawny (Wayne) Atkins of Eau Claire, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral and committal services for Mr. Martin will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Saturday, April 21, 2012 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. J. D. Landis of First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Midland Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be from 12:00 PM, Saturday until the time of service.

Memorials are available at the funeral home for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Please share a memory of Rex at the funeral home or through our condolence page at www.wilson-miller.com