Arlis Gene Martin | Obituary

Arlis Gene Martin

July 11, 1931 — February 2, 2022

Arlis Gene Martin, 90, died on February 2, 2022. He was born on July 11, 1931 in Hinton, Oklahoma, the only child of Artie and Lois (Payton) Martin.

The family moved to Lompoc, California when he was a young boy where he graduated from high school before enrolling at Santa Maria Junior College. Family and friends knew him as “Gene” until he transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where students were asked to use their first names, so from there it was “Arlis”. After earning a degree in agricultural engineering, Arlis volunteered to serve in the military, completing two years of active duty in the Korean War, reaching the rank of corporal. Upon returning to civilian life, Arlis went to work for the Bureau of Reclamation on the Monticello Dam project in Winters, California. Soon a young secretary was to be transferred into the office. Her name was “Ardis” Sterner. The personnel manager decided it was predestined, playing matchmaker before she even arrived. Arlis liked to say: “He was unlucky! They married on August 19, 1956, celebrating their 65th anniversary last year. They moved to Ojai, California, where Arlis was assigned to the Casitas Dam Project. After the Casitas project was completed, they moved to Walla Walla in 1959 where Arlis worked for the Corp of Engineers. Here he earned his professional civil engineer license while working in the relocation section.

Arlis and Ardis spent 34 wonderful years on a farm west of the city where they raised crops, livestock and four children before returning to city life in 2000. In retirement, Arlis and Ardis enjoyed traveling with their Good Sam club, their Elderhostel group and their grandchildren. Arlis was a prolific reader of Western history and fiction; he also loved old country music, visiting and getting to know people. Arlis had a passion for cars, learning mechanics at his father’s Buick dealership. Missing his old Whizzer bike he had built as a child, Arlis decided to buy his first motorcycle at age 76, proving that you are never too old to have fun.

Arlis is survived by his wife, Ardis; daughter, Glena Dunn of Boulder City, NV, daughter Joy (Don) Bellinger of Walla Walla; son, Rod (Peggy) Martin of Wenatchee; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his parents and his precious daughter, Jann Martin.

A small outdoor memorial service is planned by the family for next summer. Thanks to Doctor Perez and Doctor Patel for the care of Arlis. Those wishing to honor Arlis may donate to a charity of their choice through Herring Funeral Home.