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Earl “Tom” Martin passed away Friday morning, Nov. 8, 2019, at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette.
Tom was born Feb. 14, 1943, in Powell, to Earl and Lucille Martin.
Tom graduated from Powell High School in 1961 and attended Northwest Community College, where he played football for two years. He went on to Chadron State College in Nebraska on a football scholarship and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1966.
He married Vickie Neu, also of Powell, in 1967, before serving his country in the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal while serving in the Army.
While at war, his daughter Jill was born in Sheridan. Following his return, Tom, Vickie and Jill moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, so he could attend college at Northern Arizona University, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Education. They moved back to Sheridan in 1971, and their son Justin was born.
Tom started his teaching career with elementary schools in Sheridan and Clark. He spent most of his career teaching math and horsemanship equestrian classes at the Wyoming Girls School for over 20 years.
Tom was known for his love of riding and training horses. He loved to read and was always eager to explore and share in meaningful conversations about the many mysteries of life. His love of teaching was felt by his students, friends, co-workers and family. Those who knew Tom would tell you of his big heart and passion for helping others.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Hufford, and his brother, Garry Martin.
Tom is survived by his wife Vickie Martin, his children Jill Martin and Justin Martin, his granddaughter Grace Martin, and his brother Rick Martin and wife Marcia, of Powell.
The family extends their gratitude to the nurses and caretakers at The Legacy and the Mountain View Living staff at the Veterans’ Home for their compassion and loving care of Tom.
The family would like to invite you to join them for a celebration of Tom’s life on Nov. 24, from 1-3 p.m., at the Barn in Big Horn, 228 Johnson Street, in Big Horn.
Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.
