Gene Gilbert Martin, 82, of South Charleston, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on January 25, 2018.

He was born in South Charleston on February 19, 1935.

Gene graduated from Washington District High School in Alum Creek in 1953 and served in the United States Air Force. Afterwards, he was employed by Union Carbide and the West Virginia Department of Highways.

Gene was an active member of Dunbar Mountain Mission where he served as an usher for 12 years.

In addition to his parents, Carless and Marie, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Clyde Godbey and David Martin; as well as his sister, Jacqueline Coyner.

Gene leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 55 years, Rosemary Ashley Martin; daughter, Regina Martin of Bridgeport and her fiancé, Jim Blankenship, of Vienna; son, John (Victoria) Martin of Queen Creek, Arizona; grandson, Dr. John Martin II of Gilbert, Arizona; grandson, Shawn (Jessica) Krohn and great-granddaughter, Adelaide Krohn, of Snohomish, Washington; brother, Arthur (Carol) Martin of Charleston, and sister, Hullah Carwithen of Spring Hill, Florida.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Richard Hayes and to the Thomas Memorial Hospital staff for Gene's excellent care.

A service celebrating Gene's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, at Keller Funeral Home in Dunbar with Rev. Ron Fisher and Rev. Billy Lucas officiating. Entombment will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 29, in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Dunbar Mountain Mission, 605 Dunbar Ave, Dunbar, WV 25064.