Obituary of Thomas C. Martin

HEUVELTON/FOWLER – Thomas C. Martin, age 80, of Gouverneur and formerly of Heuvelton, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg. Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home, 16 Barnes Street, Gouverneur NY on Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a Masonic Lodge service at 12:00 p.m. Calling hours will continue until 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Gouverneur VFW. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Tom was born on July 14, 1934 in Ogdensburg to the late Clarence and Elizabeth (MacFarlan) Martin. He was a former member of the U.S. Coast Guard. Tom spent the majority of his career as an Interstate truck driver with such companies as Walsh Trucking and AAA Cooper from Dothan, Alabama. Tom lived in Heuvelton until the early 1980's when he moved to Alabama and spent time with his nephews Herb and David Hughes. He also lived in Jacksonville, FL before moving back to the North Country upon retirement, settling in Heuvelton and then Fowler. Thomas is survived by his companion Elaine Lewis; son Scot Martin; two grandchildren, Corrin (Nicholas) and Preston; two great grandchildren, Rayelle and Braxton Nicholas; two sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Simms and Margaret Martin; 3 step grandchildren, Austen, Taylor & Tyler of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dog, Maggie, who was most precious to him. He is predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Elizabeth Preston (Mayville). Mr. Martin was a member of the Gouverneur Masonic Lodge, the Elks, and the American Legion. Uncle Tom, as he was known by some, was a big fan of Old Country music, especially enjoying the music of the band, "Pure Country". He loved driving truck and collecting miniature tractor-trailer trucks, spending time with his family, RV camping, and sitting around the campfire. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him as the gentle, kind and sensitive man he was.