Walter L "Marty" Martel

Walter L. Martel, “Marty,” 87 years old, of Dover, DE passed away April 18, 2022, surrounded by his family at home after a brief illness. 

Marty, as he was more known, was born in Derry, NH on February 2, 1935. In 1953, Marty enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for 20 years and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant. As a flight engineer, Marty served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where he was recognized for multiple rescue missions; including one specific mission where he took on enemy fire for more than 7 hours to successfully rescue two downed pilots. This mission earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross. Marty flew all over the world before retiring in Dover, DE in 1973. He was proud to have served his country and when people would complain about the aircraft noise from Dover Air Force Base, Marty would always say, “That’s the sound of freedom.”

Marty’s love of the Air Force and serving his country were only second to the love of his life, Kathleen Martel to whom he was married for 62 years before she passed in 2017. Marty became a dedicated volunteer at the Air Mobility Command Museum, using his skills and first-hand knowledge to restore airplanes. Marty became active in the Masonic Lodge in Dover, DE Union Lodge No. 7 A.F & A.M, where he attained 32nd Degree Freemason. He was instrumental in the building of their current lodge in Dover. The museum and the Masons became sources of great friendship, brotherhood, and happy memories for Marty.

Marty was known by many names, “Marty” “Bumper” “Grandpa Marty;” but none compared to his two favorites; Husband and Father. Marty had two children, Karl Martel (Michele), Dover, DE. and Cindy Tobiason (Bruce), Lancaster, PA.   Marty found great joy in the daily adventures of his four grandchildren: Stephanie Martel, Milton DE; Brian Martel (Michelle), Fredericksburg, VA; Sarah Korch, Lancaster, PA, and Skyler Warren, Toronto, Canada. He was further blessed with 6 great grandchildren: Tessa, Michaela, Triston, Chase, Keegan, and Quinn and two great-great granddaughters, Ellyana, and Natalie. 

Marty will be remembered as a man who loved his country and adored his family. His infectious smile, countless stories, and jubilant laugh will never leave us. 

Funeral services will be Monday, May 2, 2022 at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 where a visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until  7:00 P.M. with service beginning at 7:00 P.M.  Burial will be Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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