PIEDMONT | Kenneth Wayne Martin, died unexpectedly Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at his home near Piedmont South Dakota.

He was born in Sexton City, Texas, March 9, 1937.  After graduating from high school in Tyler, Texas, he joined the Air Force. His career spanned 26 years which included tours in England,  where he met his wife Hilary, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea and other US Air Force bases.  During his career he earned numerous awards including the Bronze Star and retired as a Senior Master Sargent.  After retiring from the Air Force in 1980, he continued his career for an additional 12 years with the Civil Service.  Ken then went on to enjoy working for a small custom gun manufacturing company, Dakota Arms in Sturgis.

His final tour of duty brought him to Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, where he and his wife, Hilary, built a home near Piedmont that was a gathering place for family which he loved so much.   He was an avid outdoorsman, very much enjoying golf, hunting, fishing, and was an expert archer, winning the South Dakota NFAA State Archery Championship in 1976.  His love of life, people and family was infectious.

Ken is survived by his wife of 59 years, Hilary, his 3 sons Gavin, Jeremy and Andrew, daughter Louise Martin Welch,   5 grandchildren, Oliver and Hilary Burr, Dylan, Thomas and Danielle Martin, and his great grandson Elliott Burr.  He leaves behind 3 sibling's Jean Boles, Gerald Martin, and JoAnn Morgan.

He is preceded in death by a brother, Billy Martin.

Upon his request cremation has taken place and a private family service will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Military Honors will be conducted by the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family requests monetary donations can be made to a charity of your choice.