Gene Martin was born in Lincoln , NE in 1928. He began his Navy career in January 1945. After WWII ended, he re-enlisted in a special program that sent him to college and training as a pilot. He was commissioned after flight training. He served his country for 22 years, including active service in WWII, Korea , and Viet Nam . He retired as a LCDR in 1967. After retirement, he taught in the Sweetwater Union High School District . While teaching, he also coached track & water polo. He moved to Milton , FL and taught and coached there. Gene was active in his community. He was president of the Sweetwater Valley Civic Assn and Chula Vista Aquatics Assn, and was a regional director of Swimming for the AAU. He was active in Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He married three times. He and his first wife, Donna, had two daughters. When he married Jewel in 1978, he raised her young children and they had a son. He married Alvie Collinsworth in 1999, and includes her children as his family. He and Alvie enjoyed traveling and attending military reunions. He was an active member of the Flying Midshipmen Assn, and chaired several of their reunions. Whenever he talked about his life, he told his family that he had had an amazing life. He had been able to reach just about every goal he set. He had raised two families of children, and had maintained many deep friendships. He had no regrets. He is survived by his wife Alvie, and his children Leslie Martin (Keith Spears), Gayle Beavis (Bill), Yvette Wise (Willie), Joseph Bourgeois, James Martin (Tiffany), Jerry Schrader Jr. ( Regina ), Nancy Jo Andrews (James), & Juanita Shumate plus14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.