Bruce Dudley Martin Obituary

Bruce Dudley Martin was born in Akron, Colorado, on May 14th, 1951. He was the oldest of three children born to William “Dudley” and Mildred “Milly” Martin. Bruce passed away on April 16th, 2023, at the Woodland Care Center in Woodland, Washington.

Bruce grew up on the family farm near Otis, Colorado attended school at Otis Grammar through High School. During high school, he was active in athletics lettering in Football and Wrestling and was a member of the school FFA. After high school, Bruce went on an adventure of his life and Enrolled in the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, and graduated in June of 1973 with a Bachelor of Science.
While at that Academy, Bruce fell in love with the love of his life, Paula Ann Belanger. After graduation, On June 30th of, 1974 Bruce and Paula got married at Catholic Church located at the Academy and their union brought two children Sarah and Evan.

The Coast Guard took Bruce and Paula on many amazing adventures during Bruce’s time in the services including Bruce getting his Masters of Business Administration from George Washington University in 1984. Bruce would retire as a Lieutenant Commander after twenty-five years of service. After retirement, Bruce worked as a mortgage officer to support other veterans in pursuing their dreams of home ownership. In 2000 Bruce would formally retire when Paula and he moved to La Center, Washington on their five-acre farm. He was able to return to his love for farming and woodworking.

Bruce is preceded in death by his grandparents, father and mother William “Dudley” and Mildred “Milly” Martin; bother Randy Martin; in-laws, Leo and Irene Belanger.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Paula (Belanger) Martin; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Nate DeBord of Covington, Washington; son and son-in-law, Evan Martin and Matthew Cuda of Portland Oregon; sister Arleen (Martin) Harms of Yuma, Colorado; his grandchildren Courtney, Julia, Colin and Emilee DeBord, Phoenix Martin-Williams. Bruce will be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Bruce and Paula Martin 36013 NW Seibler Drive, La Center, Washington. With a family and close guests Military funeral on Monday, May 22nd, 2023. The family would like to request in place of flowers please donate in honor of him to the American Cancer Society.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 21st 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the 36013 NW Seibler Dr (La Center Washington 98629).