It is with profound and unrelenting sadness that our family announces the passing of Michael Alfred Martin, devoted husband, father, and uncle.

Michael passed away peacefully at his home in Ridgecrest, CA on July 2, 2025, after an extensive illness.

Michael was born in Arkansas City, Kansas to Ralph and Dolores Martin on May 8, 1951. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Roger Martin and sister Marcia (Martin) Brenner. He is survived by his soulmate and wife of 53 years, Barbara Ann; the light of his life, his son David Michael of Ridgecrest; numerous extended family members and lifelong friends.

Michael spent his formative years in Barstow, CA. His family had moved from the Midwest to Barstow in the early 1950's, where Michael's father continued his career with the Santa Fe Railroad.

Michael graduated in June 1969 from John F. Kennedy High School in Barstow, CA. He joined the United States Navy in January 1970 and proudly served for 8 1/2 years which included 3 deployments to Vietnam. Upon being awarded the Purple Heart, he respectively returned it, as he did not consider himself worthy, considering how horribly others suffered. Michael's last deployment was serving aboard the USS America (CV-66 Kitty Hawk Class Aircraft Carrier), on it's Mediterranean Cruise 1977-1978. Michael achieved an E-6 rating and was honorably discharged in 1978. The knowledge and skills he acquired in the Navy helped to lay the foundation for his success in all future endeavors.

After his military service as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, he began working for Hughes Aircraft, in San Diego, CA, as a Field Engineer aboard the USS Constitution providing training and logistics engineering recommendations.

In March of 1980, Michael began a 23 year career as a logistician in the Fleet Support Branch at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, CA. He was always 100% fleet oriented in terms of life saving innovations and responsiveness. He was instrumental in saving numerous Navy aviators' lives via his innovations and solutions. He supported Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters in Washington D.C. and Naval Weapons Center, China Lake Parachute Division in development and fielding of a variety of life support equipment. Among them were: escape systems, personal flotation devices, recovery and emergency bailout parachute systems.

During his time at China Lake he also served as NAVAIR's customer technical program manager representative for contracts with SEI (Safety Equipment International). He was instrumental in developing the Low Profile Flotation Collar (LPFC) which has been in service since 1999.

After retiring from Civil Service, Michael continued to support the fleet when he joined the team at FXC Corporation/Guardian Parachute. He performed technical services and activities to help support a new advanced low velocity air parachute system.

Michael loved life and learning. His military service and his work at China Lake afforded him many opportunities to see the world, which he loved. Before his illness rendered him disabled, he enjoyed many hobbies. Among them were: vacations with his family, golfing, woodworking, cooking, reading and watching Angels' baseball.

Michael possessed unwavering integrity in both his professional and personal life. He had deep and enduring love for his family. They were his reason for living.

Our beloved Michael,

Now, you no longer suffer...

Now, you may rest peacefully...

Our shared love and tender memories will never fade.

Our family is forever grateful to the following doctors who cared for Michael, over the many years, as he fought his illness: Dr. Abdallah Farrukh, Dr. Omar Farrukh, Dr. Shahin Sadik, Dr. Donald Hannoun, Jill Jepson NP, and Dr. David Lusk.

A warm thank you to all who supported us with loving kindness during this difficult time.

A special thank you to everyone at Holland & Lyons Mortuary for their gentle kindness and guidance.