CLARENCE "MARTY" RUEL MARTIN OBITUARY

Clarence "Marty" Ruel Martin, of Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 4 at his home. Clarence was born March 13, 1936 in Tellico Plains. He was the third son of Elbert and Ina Kirkland Martin. He left Tennessee at the age of 15, and shortly thereafter he entered the U.S. Army (1954-1956). After leaving the Army, Clarence became a welder. He traveled the United States on various jobs from 1956 until he eventually made his way to Ames in 1959 with his older brother, Fred, to help build the water tower at the National Animal Disease Lab. In 1959, he started Martin Machine Welding Works in Ames. This business began his life long journey as a successful entrepreneur and businessman. In 1959, he started Industrial Plating, a successful chrome-plating business. Later, he began another business, Custom Steel Service, a metal fabrication company. He was still operating both companies at the time of his death. He married Sharron Vogtlin of Gilbert on Sept. 2, 1962. In his own unique way, Clarence was an artist. He pursued somewhat eccentric projects, such as making a 41 foot replica of a pitchfork and converting a railroad caboose, which he named the Freedom Train, into his personal office. At the time of his death, he was making a 6 foot gold-plated ear of corn. He was a traveler and adventurer. Throughout his life, he hiked large segments of the Appalachian Trail often alone. He was a pilot, hunter, fisherman and collector of BMW motorcycles. Most of all, he loved the mountains, streams and people of East Tennessee and in his heart never left there. He loved the annual spring "Martin Ramp Tramp" and spending time with his brothers, sisters and other family members in the mountains around Tellico Plains. Preceded in death by: parents and brother, Fred. He was 73. Survivors include: his wife-Sharron; Daughters and son-in-law Jennifer and Don Adler of Ankeny; Holly Bevan of Ankeny; and Paula Martin of Urbandale; Son and daughter-in-law-Marcus and Paula Martin of Boulder, Colo.; and, Grandchildren-Jacob and Julia Adler; Jackson, Henry and Charles Martin; and Andrew Bevan; Sisters-Lavern Hensley and Zandra Martin; Brothers and sisters-in-law-Carl and Sherry; Johnny, Larry and Mary and J.W. and Linda Martin. Services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ames. Visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the church. Burial will be at Ames Municipal Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #37. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Beloit Children's Home or the Boys & Girls Club. Adams Funeral Home, Ames, in charge of arrangements.