Albert Ivan Martin
29-March-1929 – 25-March-2020

Albert was born to Clyde and Gladys Martin on March 29, 1929 in their farmhouse five miles north of Mound City, Kansas. Albert was the fourth child out of five: Grace, Leslie, Zoa, Albert, & Glen. Albert is survived by his wife, Vivian Martin, their four children, David Martin, Steven Martin, Diane Cosper, Daniel Martin, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Albert’s younger years on the farm were during the Great Depression and drought. While their income and food were meager in his early years Albert never complained as he recounted stories of his youth. The boys in the family would supplement their farm and garden produce with a few squirrels or rabbits that they would shoot.

Albert attended a small one-room schoolhouse about two miles from their farm and he would either walk to school or ride one of their horses. Due to repeated crop failures, Albert’s father would leave the farm for extended periods of time to find work so he could send money back to support the family. It was during this time that his father found a steady job in California working for a major aircraft manufacturer supporting the build-up of America’s arsenal for WWII. Eventually the family moved out to North Hollywood, California to join him in 1942.

Albert was 13 years old when they moved to California and he enjoyed his time there. His first exposure to an orange was at school and he didn’t know what to do with it; however, there was a Hispanic classmate named Manuel that showed him how to peel it, leading to a life-long friendship. At first his teacher was concerned that Albert would be behind in his studies having come from a one-room schoolhouse and a poor background; however, it was soon apparent that Albert was one of the top students in his class. Albert was active at Verdugo Hills High School where he enjoyed classes and playing on the football team. Albert was class president when he graduated in 1947. He attended California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, California where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1951.

Immediately after college Albert took a job with General Electric and was one of many young Engineers hired by GE as they expanded in the post WWII economy. Albert was given several rotational assignments that included brief stays in Philadelphia, Schenectady, and then Fort Wayne, Indiana where he stayed for a more extended time. During these early career years Albert took a brief leave of absence from GE when he volunteered for the Air Force where he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant until the Korean War ended.

Albert was a highly respected and technically competent Engineer at General Electric; he was a valuable resource and worked on the advancement of motor technology while in Fort Wayne. Albert was confident in his abilities and would not shy away from advancing his ideas; one annual review summed up his demeanor by saying, “Quiet by nature but aggressive when necessary.” This assessment held true throughout his career, personal, and family life.

While in Fort Wayne, Albert met a beautiful young lady named Vivian. Vivian was a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Art and Home Economics and she was employed as an interior designer and art teacher while living at home with her mother. Albert and Vivian dated for several years and were then married on December 19, 1959. Their first son, David, was born in Indiana but they soon moved to Overland Park, Kansas to be closer to Albert’s boyhood home and parents who had moved back to Mound City, Kansas in 1953 to resume farming.

Albert and Vivian lived in a modest sized home in Overland Park where they raised their four children until 1974 when they moved out to the country on 40 acres near Bucyrus, Kansas. While Albert maintained a successful career at General Electric during the day, he enjoyed raising cattle on his small farm in the evenings and weekends. In addition, he enjoyed the frequent trips down to Mound City to visit his parents, help on the farm, and visit his boyhood friends.

Albert served as a role model for his children at home and church. He was a Christian from his teen years and was diligent in reading the Bible and religious books to his children while they were young. He encouraged them in their pursuit of God and did whatever he could to provide positive opportunities for their education and church activities. Albert was active in The Gideons International where he served as their treasurer for several years. More than once his children had the opportunity to see him put his faith into action through Christian service to his community.

Albert was an accomplished singer and served his church through active membership in the choir. In addition, he also played the guitar and his children have many fond memories of him playing and singing folks songs on their back patio on summer evenings.

After 34 years with General Electric Albert took an early retirement package rather than relocate to a different General Electric office in a larger metropolitan area. Albert enjoyed several careers after GE including: Commodities Broker, Bond Broker, and Real Estate Agent. He pursued all these activities with integrity and business acumen that carried him well into retirement.

Albert was a jack-of-many trades: carpenter, electrician, treasurer, board member, scout leader, etc. His interests were many but none more than his faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. His Bible was well-worn and his disposition and character reflected his devout faith. Many times throughout his life Albert would reconnect with friends from years and decades past: Manuel, Norman, Bob, Jack, etc.. While some of these names may have been a mystery to his family, Albert knew them and the value of friendship:

“Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend.” – Prov 27:10

Albert will be missed here on earth, but we take comfort in knowing he is present with his Lord. Albert was a faithful son, husband, father, and friend.

Psalm 116:5-8
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is compassionate.
6 The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
7 Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For Thou has rescued my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
My feet from stumbling.


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