Former Otoe County Sheriffs Deputy remembered as an “avid outdoorsman and friend to many”

NEBRASKA CITY - Donald Martin proudly served his country and his home in southeast Nebraska. Martin was born on May 29, 1929 near Nehawka. He attended school in Union before entering the U.S. Navy in 1950 and serving in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954, later serving in the National Guard for seven years. Following his stint in the military, he returned home to Nebraska and began a law enforcement career. It began at the Nebraska City Police Department serving as an officer until 1984. He spent three years with the Nebraska Police Association and joined the Otoe County Sheriff's Office in 1987, retiring in 2006. He also worked for the Syracuse Police Department until 2007. He was a member of the Eagles, American Legion, VFW, Western Star Masonic Lodge, Shriners and Scottish Rite. He served on the Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. Martin was an avid outdoorsman and a friend to many. He married Darlene Rogers on January 22, 1953 in Nebraska City. They shared over 62 of their lives together until Darlene‘s death in 2015. Don passed away on July 20 at the age of 89. He is survived by his daughter Judy Hillman and husband Danny of Syracuse, and son Randy Martin and wife Julie of Fremont; along with many other family members and friends. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City. The family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City. Memorials may be given to the family for future designation. Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com. Follow Hunter on Twitter: @TheBurnRadio