Posted on: Franklin Co. Id Obits Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Id/FranklinObits/197 Surname: Martin, Casperson, Jones ------------------------- The Idaho State Journal 09-05-2000 PRESTON - Burton C. Martin, 81, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2000, at the Franklin County Nursing Home, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born on September 17, 1918, to William Burton and Elizabeth Ann (Bessie) Casperson Martin in Preston, Idaho. Burt married Colleen Jones on September 7, 1947, and enjoyed nearly 53 years as her companion. Their marriage was solemnized on October 10, 1979, in the Logan LDS Temple. After graduating from Preston High School in 1937, Burt enrolled at the Wiser Vocational School, where he earned a business certificate and played on the school's basketball team. A veteran of World War II, Burt was a member of the first class of Preston inductees who entered the war. He served with the 41st Infantry division, spending most of his four and one-half year enlistment overseas. He saw duty in Australia, New Guinea, the Netherlands, East Indies and the Philippines. Following military service, Burt completed a business degree at Utah State Agricultural College in 1949. He joined Utah Power and Light in 1951 as a bookkeeper in Montpelier, Idaho. After moving with the company to Rexburg, he returned to his hometown in 1958 as sales manager for the Preston Division of UP&L. In 1966 Burt was named division manager of the company's Preston division, a position he retained until retirement in 1983. Active in community affairs, Burt was a member and officer of the Kiwanis Club, Elks Club, Preston Chamber of Commerce, Preston Golf and Country Club and Rotary Club. With two partners, Burt constructed the "Pop 'n Pins" bowling alley in Preston and helped operate the facility for many years. He was a pioneer in the establishment of the television translator station that serves Franklin County. A charter member of the Preston Golf and Country Club, Burt was highly involved in the construction and lighting of the Craner Athletic Field, a Preston softball complex operated by the LDS Church. His church contributions included dedicated service as a home teacher and as executive secretary to Bishop Lowell Castleton in the Preston Eighth Ward. Burt loved the mountains and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a craftsman who gave much of his time and energy to his family, his community and his church. Burt is survived by his wife, Colleen, of Preston and children, Carl (Neal) of Parowan, Utah; Marian (Brent) Maughan of Kaysville, Utah; and Shelley (Wayne) Dodd of Logan, Utah. Surviving siblings include Doloras Johnson White and Fay Foss, both of Preston; Joyce Martin Lund (Daines) of Smithfield Utah; and stepbrother, Roger Jabbs (LaRae) of Alpine, Utah. Thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren continue the Martin traditions. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jennie Mae Martin; sister, June Martin Westfall; brother, Jay Martin; sister, Clarice Martin Cooper; and stepbrother, Glen Jabbs. Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, in the Preston Eighth Ward Chapel, 213 S. 2nd E., with Bishop Jon Hyde conducting. Friends may call Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery.