Gerald E. (Jerry) Martin passed away peacefully March 21, 2010 at the age of 69, surrounded by many loving family members and friends. Jerry was born February 22, 1941 in Phoenix, Arizona to T. J. Martin and Ava Wines. A gifted brick mason, he worked in the trade until 1987 when he became Facilities Manager for Interstate Mechanical Corporation, retiring in 2005. He served in the US Army 1960-1966, stationed at the Nike missile site in Rehoboth, MA and with the Armored Tank Corps at Fort Irwin, CA. Jerry’s passion was sprint car racing. As owner of Streaker Racing he fielded sprint cars for 36 years, including many multi-car teams. He won the SCOA Championship in 2004 and 2005. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Millie; four children, Lisa, Lori (Dave), Lynda and Steve; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild; four brothers and four sisters. He is preceded in death by his father T. J. Martin, mother Ava Karber, step-mother Pearline Martin, step-father Merle Karber Sr., and brothers Michael Karber and Donald Martin. Visitation is Sunday, March 28 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Services are 10:00 AM Monday, March 29 at Christ Church Lutheran, 3901 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Graveside Service immediately following at Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sprint Car Hall of Fame, P. O. Box 542, Knoxville, IA 50138.
Lisa Martin - Hinojosa
I love you so much and I am going to miss you more than you know. You were the best dad ever and my hero. You taught me so much about how to be a good person, and you taught me that by your example. You will be sorely missed. I still had so much more to learn from you about racing. I’m going to miss your witty sarcasm and all those ‘Jerryisms’ I loved to hear. I will do my best to continue to make you proud of me. I love you, daddy.
Susie & Jerry Pritchett
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, we are truly
sorry for your loss.
Larry & Jacque Myers
We were so surprised & saddened to read Jerry had passed away.
There were so many good times at the races & at our homes.
Your family has our deepest condolences.
Love, Larry & Jacque Myers
Ann Whiting
Dear Martin and Karber families….Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Jerry. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa, and Lori went to elementary school with my daughter, Lolly, and I have many fond memories of good times with your family and at PIR.