Dennis Allen Martin, age 69, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021, after a three-year battle with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Dennis was born in the small town of London, West Virginia, on July 15, 1952. In June of 1971, a month before his 19th birthday, he enlisted and joined the United States Air Force. He had been inspired by his uncles, Nathaniel and Edward who had both served for the U.S. military. Throughout his 30 years of service, Dennis lived and visited many places including Texas, Arizona, New Jersey, Hawaii, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, and Japan.
Dennis retired as a Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force in June of 2001 and relocated with his family to Orlando, Florida to begin his new career as a Project Manager at Walt Disney World. In 2005, he completed a rigorous Master’s program and graduated with his MBA from the University of Miami at the age of 53. He later retired from WDW as a Program Manager after sixteen magical years. In the summer of 2019, he relocated to Salt Lake City with his daughter & caretaker, Surya, to enjoy his retirement surrounded by the beautiful Utah mountains.
Dennis loved Asian cuisines, rooting on the Pittsburgh Steelers, coaching Pop Warner Football, taking his family to Disney, learning about world history, and jamming out to R&B. Above all he loved being a father and he always put his family ahead of himself.
Dennis is survived by the family of his eldest son Dennis “Boo” Allen Martin Jr. and wife Christina, their daughters Deja and Maya, and their sons, Victorious, King, Elijah and Ezekiel; the family of his eldest daughter Erica Martin, and her daughter Deaira and son Eric; his second daughter, Lillian “Nikki” Martin and her soon-to-be-born son Nico; his youngest daughter, Surya Martin and his youngest son, Allen Martin.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Larkin Mortuary, located at 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. His ashes will later be scattered in the mountains of his home state of West Virginia. All are welcome to join in celebrating the life of Dennis Allen Martin.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
For those who wish to view a recording of the services, may do so here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/9_-TvE35Jr_ftljEAL2WlUPZrP9ee4pflTD4absV4hn_Hr9_Y7gwtRM3TgyEch-0UsTga46WC7CzYevj.pK5bZ2kSzdEG6WmN?autoplay=true&startTime=1627750789000
My Condolences & Prayers go out to the family and friends…
Deepest condolences to our family for the loss of my cousin Denny God bless you family prayers are with you from your cousin in Detroit Deborah Davis
Gone but never forgotten, condolences to the family Dennie its going to be missed we all loved him but God loved him best. No more Pain and suffering. Love ❤️ you Aunt Bessie Martin
My father in law was a good man. Although I didn't spend as much time with him as I would of loved to, the time we did spend together was good. I'm glad he was able to spend Thanksgiving with our family and meet his newest additions to the Martin boys his 3 grandsons King, Elijah and Ezekiel (the twins). Yes pops Boo out numbered you with the kids. We enjoyed his company, stories of his football days and his fast moves gliding across the kitchen floor. Lol 😆 You will be missed pops. Rest In Heaven and dance your shoes off with the angels. We love you.
I am sad to see my cuz/brother leave us. But God felt his mission on earth was complete. I send my love to his kids and the rest of the family
My deepest condolence to the family on the loss of this great person. Dennis has been a good friend and mentor for over 20 years. While in the Air Force, he stood as a shining example for many, and as a Chief Master Sergeant, he was in the top 1% of the Enlisted force. After retirement he continued to shine as the epitome of success, while working for Disney.
He and Akiko were always kind to my family. I miss his smile and miss our lively debates about history and politics. May God bless your family during this difficult time. We will always treasure our memories of Dennis Martin.
Danny I am going to miss you I'm so sorry we never got together again But I remember our time when we drove from Detroit to West Virginia West Virginia that was a special time in my life and I have never forgotten it I pray for the family The God will comfort everyone And give you peace forever love Richard Davis and family
OUR COUSIN DENNIS BETTER KNOWN AS “ DENNY “ WOULD LIGHT UP ANY ROOM WITH HIS SMILE & HANDSOME GOOD LOOKING SMOOTH DANCING SELF ! DENNY WILL TRULY BE MISSED LOVE YOUR DETROIT, MICHIGAN COUSINS !!! COUSIN DENISE DAVIS !!!
Surya and Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of Dennis who was a resident at Brookdale Dr. Phillips along with my Mother Marguerite who passed in Dec 2019 at the age of 97.
I have forwarded the obituary to other Brookdale residents and associates who were saddened to hear the news. I am a recently retired 32 year Disney Cast Member, so we had stories to share.
I will always remember him with his athletic wear and new tennis shoes keeping fit around the facility along with his dance moves.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Linda Dorage
My family and I send many prayers and our deepest condolences to the Martin family. We had the pleasure to meet both Dennis and Akiko while engaging in our volunteer ministry. Dennis was especially excited to learn of the wonderful future promises the Bible holds out to all of us. He particularly looked forward to a peaceful world free from pain and suffering. (Psalms 37:11; Revelations 21:3,4)
We look forward to seeing Dennis again as he sees for himself the promises of the Bible coming true.
Sending much love,
The Dixon Family
I was so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. We went to DuPont together and we were friends. My condolences to his entire family.
I was very saddened to hear of Dennis' passing. I grew up in London, WV too. He and I attended elementary school together and we both graduated from DuPont High School. My sincere condolences to his loving family. I must say from all the pictures of him, he never aged at all. May God Bless you all.