Roy Owen Martin was born in Spokane, Washington on January 30, 1935, to Roy Arthur and Freda Owen Martin. He passed away peacefully, at home, on August 3, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Roy grew up in Tacoma, the only boy among 4 sisters. He attended Franklin Elementary, Jason Lee Junior High and graduated from Stadium High School in 1953. At Stadium he enjoyed singing in the school choir.

Roy entered the Army after high school. He was sent to Germany where he drove a Colonel around war torn Europe.

After the Army, he attended classes at Linfield College in McMinnville OR where he sang in the college choir. While there, he was hired to sing at the First Presbyterian Church choir in Portland. It was during this time he met his future bride, Rita Buckner. They continued to date when Rita returned to classes at OSU in Corvallis.

They married on June 8, 1963, in Corvallis at a Presbyterian church where Roy sang The Lord’s Prayer to his bride.

They later returned to Tacoma where Roy worked in various industries with his father, as a machinist. However, Roy was drawn to working with wood. He went from building boats and homes to selling building materials until retirement. He built many items for his growing family of four children.

Roy loved camping with his family in the rain forest or at the Oregon beaches. Many memories were made going after clams and geoducks on Hood Canal.

Roy continued singing at his church, First Presbyterian in Tacoma, in the choir and men’s quartet. He served as an elder and volunteered in many capacities as he supported his children in their many activities.

Roy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita, his son Nathan (Martha), daughter Royale Carson (Ray), sons Peter and Andrew.

He was the proud grandfather of four granddaughters: Makayla Carson, Olivia, Alicia, and Jordyn Martin.

He is predeceased by his parents and sisters Ruth, Freda, and Margaret (Peggy). He has one surviving sister, Agnes, in Arizona.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the deacons for their loving care and also to the wonderful hospice team.

Memorials may be made in Roy’s name to the First Presbyterian Church choir.