Carlton Wayne Martin

Carlton Wayne Martin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away in the comfort of his own home on February 9, 2025, in Alsea, Oregon, just 3 months shy of his 83rd birthday.

Carlton, "Carl" was born on May 23, 1942, in Littlefork, Minnesota, to Lillian Hafdahl and Carl "Curly" Martin. As a young child, Carl and his family moved from Minnesota to Lebanon, Oregon, where he graduated from High School. When he wasn't at school you could easily find him in one of three places, either working in the Lebanon Lumber Mill, helping his family on their farm, or on the riverbank with a rod in hand. After leaving Lebanon, Carl adventured out and lived in Alaska and then in New Mexico. He eventually returned back to Lebanon and in 1975, Carl bought his house and property in Alsea, Oregon where he lived for the remainder of his life. 

On May 23, 1984, Carl married Carmen, with whom he shared a beautiful life with until his passing. Together, they shared a passion for the outdoors, hunting, fishing and making memories with their three children: their daughter, Cora Martin, and two sons Corby Campbell (Misty), and Curt Campbell (Brynn). Carl took immense pride in his family, and his legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish his memory.

Carl is also survived by his beloved sister, Cathy Pope, who shared many cherished memories with him throughout their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Curly Martin, and his brother, Bobby Martin.

Carl's commitment to service and enjoyment for the outdoors led him to a long and fulfilling career as a heavy equipment operator with the United States Forest Service. He was a highly regarded grader operator who had an incredible craftmanship for running a blade. He built and maintained roads all throughout the Willamette and Siuslaw National Forests. Carl was also a dedicated and skilled wildland firefighter for the many years he worked for the Forest Service. The amount of pride he took in anything he did was something to be admired and will be remembered by all those who knew and loved him. 

Carl had a passion for the outdoors and a great love for baseball. He had many fond memories from his childhood of attending baseball games with his father, Curly. As an adult, he participated on a city league slow pitch baseball team with some of his closest friends. Carl loved fishing, hunting and to go camping. Throughout his life he shared many hunting trips with his loyal black Labradors: Angus, Topper, Tony, Chance, and most recently, Cooper. These companions were more than just dogs to him, they were his family. Carl spent endless hours fishing the Alsea River for Steelhead and Salmon, as well as crabbing in the Alsea Bay. He never missed a hunting season and especially enjoyed when he would draw his deer and elk tags for Eastern Oregon. He loved the smell of fresh air and sage brush. Carl also enjoyed a summer vacation every year with his family on the Brownlee Reservoir where he would jig for crappie and take night trips to catch catfish. Some of his most cherished memories were teaching and watching his young grandchildren fish on the Brownlee. 

Carl never knew a stranger and always had a way of making new friends wherever he would go. He loved telling stories and sharing memories with anyone who would listen. He also loved sharing his knowledge and teaching others everything he knew, should they be willing to listen. He had the most booming voice and laugh that could be heard and recognized beyond eyesight. He had an incredible sense of humor and found joy in telling or hearing a good joke. Laughing with his grandchildren was what brought him the most joy in the later years of his life. He will surely be missed by all who love him. 

In honor of Carl's life, any memorial contributions can be made to Evergreen Hospice or Alsea EMT's, both organizations that provided care and support throughout the years and during his final days. 

Carlton Wayne Martin will be remembered as a man of integrity, dedication, and love. His passion for the outdoors, his commitment to his family, and his selfless service to others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

A Potluck style Celebration of Life will be held at the Alsea Hope Grange on Saturday, March 8th at 2pm.