On the afternoon of July 4, 2018, Dan passed from this earth as a result of a short battle with cancer, his loving wife by his side. He left us knowing he had done everything he ever wanted to do in his life. Dan was 72 years old.
Born to Lawrence and Thelma (Angle) Martin on May 10, 1946, in Kingman, Kansas, he was the eldest of three children.
On September 2, 1982 Dan married Sharon White Eyes. From this union are two children, Robert and Sara. Dan and Sharon divorced in 1996.
On November 29, 2007 Dan married Linda Hiltabrand. From this union, Dan has two step-daughters, Tina and Jennifer
Growing up in Evergreen, Colorado and always looking for fun, it was said if Danny didn’t think of it, it wasn’t worth doing – leading to numerous frustrations for his mother. Family reunions are filled with anecdotes of fun times spent with Dan. Siblings continue to question the sanity of his mother for allowing beer to be brewed in his bedroom as a teenager – ultimately “smelling up the whole house”.
Even in his earliest days he had a passion for guns. It became a hobby and many friends and acquaintances looked to Dan for advice when seeking appropriate loads and purchases of the trade.
Dan attended two years of college at Western State in Gunnison, Colorado. Tired of being a “starving college student”, he volunteered for the draft and enlisted in the Army. After basic training, he was offered the opportunity to train as a helicopter pilot. Flying helicopters became his second passion. Dan served a year in Vietnam. After returning, he was assigned as a flight instructor at Fort Rucker. When given the opportunity, he continued to re-enlist in the Army proudly serving his beloved country for 22 years. Two years of his Army career were spent attending college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins Colorado receiving his BA in Psychology. During his Army career, Dan received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal-4, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Master Army Aviator Badge, Silver Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal.
After retiring from the Army, Dan and his family moved to Montana, building a log home. Being bored after the completion of the home, Dan sought employment with the Department of Transportation. He retired a second time, with 17 years of service at the State of Montana.
A huge highlight in Dan’s life was when his lifelong dream of hunting in Africa came true. He hunted Zimbabwe in 2000, and Namibia in 2002 and 2006.
Capital Sports was always a favorite spot for Dan and it was no surprise when he took employment with them. It was his way of staying connected to the hobby he had always loved.
Teaching Hunter’s Safety for 20+ years was an experience Dan cherished. It seemed to be his way of giving back to so many who had mentored and taught him over the years.
Dan was an animal lover and told many stories of his life with his dog Shane, horses Skip and Rusty, and the numerous hamburgers he used to gain favor with Linda’s dog Missy.
In all of Dan’s careers, he made numerous friends who admired and respected him. They share in our loss.
Dan was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Larry and Thelma Martin, mother-in-law, Auriel Hiltabrand and sister-in-law Marsha Martin.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; children Robert (Shantell) Martin of Absarorkee; Sara (Mike) Kohrs of Lake City, Minnesota; Tina (Seth) Hanley of Helena; and Jennifer (Jason) Miller of Great Falls; siblings Jerry Martin of Worthington, Ohio; and Jeanene (Robert) Hemenway of Littleton, Colorado. His 10 grandchildren were a source of utmost pride: Jackson, Garrett, Kaelissa, Rebecca, Bennett, Kendalyn, Madelyn, Cooper, Rachel and Addilyn will miss him deeply. An eleventh grandchild will be added in October.
A celebration of his life will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 13, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, Montana 59602. A reception will follow the celebration of life in the funeral home social hall. Following the reception, a burial with full military honors will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be sent to St. Peter’s Health Hospice at 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Special appreciation is given for the support and care Dan and Linda received from the staff of St. Peter’s Health and Hospice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 13, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Friday July 13, 2018
Funeral home social hall
,
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Friday July 13, 2018
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 13, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Friday July 13, 2018
Funeral home social hall
,
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Friday July 13, 2018
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Jeanne Hiltabrand says
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeanne
Jerry Martin says
I will miss Dan so much. As his brother we had a lot of childhood adventures and memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends who have known him over his life. May your path be peaceful.
Sacramenta Landrum says
Deepest condolences to the Martin family and friends for the loss of your loved one Daniel. Gone but not forgotten a wonderful promise in God’s word the Bible for the loved ones we have lost in death a resurrection back to life very soon for the righteous and unrighteous Acts 24:15; John 5: 28,29, right here on a brand new Paradise Earth no more sickness pain or death life without end Revelation 21:1-5.
Bruce Nesmith says
I served with Captain Martin in Vietnam. He was a fine officer and an excellent pilot. His skills and his leadership saved many lives. I remember him as he was then as he flies that last mission into the heavens. SSGT Bruce Nesmith, B Co. (Lancers), 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.
Carl Schott, Colonel USA (Ret) says
Dan was my friend for 45 years. We soldiered together, hunted together, reloaded ammo, shot rifles, pistols, and told “war stories” together as often as we could. Dan was a patriot; a good pilot, artilleryman, soldier, and just an all-around “good-guy”! We were posted in the US Army in the US and Germany during the cold war years. Although after our retirement from the Army, we were separated by distance, we kept-up (usually through wife’s) we always picked up where we left off from a previous meeting, as men are won’t to do. I will miss him and his counsel on matters relating to the shooting sports and hunting….especially those times we spent afield swapping-lies about one or another hunt! Dan was so easy to be friends with, always polite and considerate of his hunting buddies. I will cherish the times we spent together across the years….Rest easy old soldier!!
Nancy Young says
To the family of Daniel Martin. Words cannot express the pain you’re feeling. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John 5 verse 29.
Kenneth Fort says
I first met Dan in ’68 at Ft Carson, Co. We went to ‘Nam together and then returned home and roomed together for 3 years at Ft. Rucker, Al. We shared a lot together and stayed in contact on and off as it always seems to happen when one changes duty stations. We met again a couple of years ago when Dan and his wife Linda stopped by and paid us a visit. Will always cherish his memory as he was one of the finest officers and men that I have ever met. Am so glad to have been able to call him friend.
Lancer 26 this is Lancer 17. White Robe 6 is calling you home to the Roundtable. You have completed your mission and are to return to base. I have a few more sorties to complete but shall return soon. When you get there say hi to Ben and LaFong and the others for me. Tell them that I will be there shortly, and we will raise a glass to our absent friends.
Rest easy my friend. May God bless you and keep you in His loving care.
Sharon Martin says
Dan had such a quiet strength about him and was so down to earth and practical. So many fond memories. Hunting and the outdoors were definitely his passion, but he also made a mean spaghetti sauce from scratch!! He was a wonderful dad to Bob and Sara and taught them many life lessons. I remember when they’d get in trouble as teenagers and one of his favorite sayings to them was, “Bad news doesn’t get better with age!” I’m sure they’ll use that line on their children when the time comes!! Rest in peace, Dan.
Jan Vogel says
Linda and family, I’m so sorry to read about Dan’s passing. I enjoyed working with Dan at MDT and waving (and occasionally chatting) with you guys when you lived in the neighborhood. May God comfort you during this sad time and always.
Jay Ramlo says
Dan will always be remembered as a great friend. He was always ready to help with Hunter Education classes and couldk be counted on to be early. After class he was ready to join a group for soft drink and keep a few fellow instructorson their toes due to the circle of razing. I also enjoyed a trip to Libby for a bear hunt where I was introduced to couple real rifles as Dan put it. Great guy all around.
Peace be wit you. Jay Ramlo
Jeanene says
To my loving brother who had a heart of gold and I will miss and think of every day may you Rest In Peace and continue in your adventurers all my love your sis
Patricia Hogan says
Dan was my first supervisor at MDT. I am only here now because of his kind guidance at my interview. Rest in peace.
Dori Lynn Wetherelt says
I always enjoyed working with Dan over the years at MDT and seeing him at Capital Sports when my family was in looking for the next “toy” for my husband!
Linda and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Hugs and blessings,
Dori Lynn
Marina says
Linda,
You and your family are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy.
Dennis Hult says
My heartfelt condolences to Dan’s family. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you. In my experience, Dan was humorous, adventurous and fearless. He was an honorable man. Dan was one of my real life hero’s.