Gary F. Martin was born on June 4, 1936 to parents Francis L. Martin and Velva Mae
(Major) Martin in Williston, North Dakota. He was the oldest of six brothers: Robert, Thomas, Dennis, Lyle, Douglas and William. Gary passed away with his loving family by his side on May 15, 2024 at his home in Glasgow of congestive heart failure.
Gary attended Williston, North Dakota schools and graduated in 1954. He was a member of the 1953 State Football winning team, the 1954 State runner-up Basketball team and played and excelled in American Legion Baseball.
Gary attended Minot State College before entering the U.S. Army in 1955. He trained
in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and Fort Sill, Oklahoma before shipping to Germany. He
served in Germany until 1957 when he was called home to Williston, North Dakota when his mother passed away at the age of 42. Six weeks later his father died, also at age 42. At 20 years old he was left with six younger brothers ages 18 to 18 months. He was Honorably Discharged at Fort Riley, Kansas in August 1957.
While home for his father’s funeral Gary met Judi Scarr who was a student at
Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. In 1958 Judi began teaching in Grenora, North Dakota. Gary married the love of his life, Judi Scarr in 1959. The fall of 1959 Judi obtained a teaching position in the Dickinson, North Dakota school system. Gary entered Dickinson State College in1959. He graduated from Dickinson State in 1961. Gary and Judi began teaching in Golva, North Dakota in 1961. Gary was a teacher, High School principal and varsity coach. He coached the Golva Tigers to their first ever Regional basketball tournament where they were defeated by the Mandaree Warriors, the eventual state champion.
In 1962 Gary and Judi moved to Culbertson, Montana where Gary taught and coached winning Championships in Football and Basketball. In 1966 Gary received his Master’s Degree in School Administration at Montana State University, Bozeman. He was named Superintendent of the Culbertson School System that same year and served as their Superintendent until 1972. Their daughter Lisa Lynn (1964) and Robert Gary (1968) were born in Culbertson.
In 1972 Gary was named the Superintendent of Schools in Glasgow. He served as
Superintendent there for 27 years until the summer of 1999. During this time North Star
School was opened at the Glasgow Air Force Base serving the Air Force, Mountain
Plains programs and later the Family Training Center families. Enrollment in the
Glasgow School System exceeded 2000 students.
During this time the HS football field was moved from the Fairgrounds to its present
location along with an all-weather track, lights, bleachers, concession stands and
restrooms. Additional classrooms were added to the Eastside Elementary School along
with remodeling to transfer that school into a Middle School concept. The grade
organizational pattern was changed to a K-5, 6,7,8 and a 9-12 grouping. New shops
were constructed at the High School. The old Jr. High School was demolished for safety
purposes. The old shop facilities were remodeled into a boardroom, administrative
offices and district warehouses along with bus barns. New bleachers were added at the
High School, remodeled locker rooms, additional restrooms were added in the gymnasium area and two new scoreboards installed. Gary was proud of these accomplishments.
Gary was also very proud of the Glasgow Community support and tradition of the
schools, the best school song and the reputation of the Glasgow School System. He
appreciated the dedicated school board members, his administrative staff, the teachers,
coaches, and all of their efforts for the Glasgow students.
Gary was a member of the American School Administrators, Montana School
Administrators of which he served as president and Phi Delta Kappa educational
organization. Gary was on the original team from Montana that enabled the Montana
Schools to participate in Close Up for students to visit Washington D.C. and an original
organizer of the Valley County Crisis Line. Gary was a member of First Lutheran Church
in Glasgow and the Kiwanis Club for many years.
Gary loved to travel with his wife and best friend, Judi and family especially to Mexico where they were involved in a Mission and summers at Flathead Lake. Gary and Judi spent many winters in Arizona where Gary played on a softball team for men over 55. He loved spending time with his beloved family especially his prized grandchildren: Jordan, Austin, Macy Kay and Reece. Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, athlete, teacher, coach, administrator, Notre Dame, Yankee and Scottie fan, and a loyal friend. Gary was also known for his quick wit and awesome sense of humor. Gary was preceded in death by his and Judi’s twin babies, his parents, Velva and Francis Martin and all of his younger brothers: Robert, Thomas, Dennis, Lyle, Douglas and William, his parents-in-law, Harold and Judythe Scarr and several sisters and brothers-in-law.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Judi of 65 years, his most loved children: daughter, Lisa Martin Hines (Randy), son Robert Gary Martin (Brooke), his grandchildren Jordan Hines Wenzel (Zach), Austin Hines, Macy Martin and Reece Martin and several special nieces and nephews.
Gary’s Celebration of Life will be held at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow on June 4, his birthday, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Scott Kiehn officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Memorials may be sent to Glasgow Educational Foundation Scholarship Fund or a charity of choice. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 4, 2024
First Lutheran Church
641 Second Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Military Honors
Tuesday June 4, 2024
First Lutheran Church
641 Second Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Reception
Tuesday June 4, 2024
First Lutheran Church
641 Second Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 4, 2024
First Lutheran Church
641 Second Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Military Honors
Tuesday June 4, 2024
First Lutheran Church
641 Second Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Reception
Tuesday June 4, 2024
First Lutheran Church
641 Second Avenue North
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Share
Connie F Johnson says
Judy and family and family I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man Gary was. Take comfort in the arms of Jesus. Hugs love and prayers 🙏
Jeanne Liebelt says
Judi, Robert, Lisa and family, I want to express my sadness in hearing about Gary’s passing. So many happy memories our families have shared, and we will continue to remember. I am sure Gary and Jim are reminiscing of the old times. Gary is now free with his God. RIP Gary.
Donna Dascher says
Judy and family,
We’re so sorry to hear the news of Gary’s passing. He will be missed terribly. Please don’t fail to ask for help when you need it. We love you!!!!!
Gary and Donna
Virginia Redstone says
Judy and family. So sorry to hear this. He was a kind wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Trex and Virginia
Chip Halverson says
Condolences to the family. Many fond memories of Gary including making sure I had a job when I needed to return home for a year. He was always encouraging to me growing up and many years later in my careers. Always enjoyed our chats. He will be missed.
Connie Larsen says
Judi and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My parents loved working with Gary and also spoke highly of him. Hugs to the entire family.
Gary & Marlys Martin says
Sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. Gary and I always enjoyed visiting with him when in Glasgow. Our thoughts, prayers and love during this sad time.
Gary & Marlys Martin
Jim Baldwin says
My deepest condolences 🙏 to you Judy and all in your family. He was a great leader.
Kathleen Lambert says
KATHLEEN LAMBERT
GARY hired me as a teacher in 1968; and as I look back, he was the best superintendent I ever had. I retired in 1997 (I think). I remember him coaching and holding teachers and students accountable; Judi bringing me meatloaf after Chris was born. I think he did very well with his life. I think of him often and smile.
Wayne Opperud family says
Judi and the family- so sorry to hear about Gary. Was glad to see you all at Bea Scarr’s funeral. my folks were
in contact with the family quite a bit back in the day!! R I P Gary.
Wayne Lersbak says
Gary‘s reputation and honor was above reproach. He was a fantastic friend over the years as we shared our administrative topics with perhaps from time to time with some ale. I am unable to list in small space the multitude of kind and respectfull attributes about Gary. May the Lord rest his soul?
Marvin Johnson / Bev Johnson says
Thanks , Gary for all your help in ushering at First Lutheran–we could always depend on your help. I will never forget that great smile of yours. THANK YOU
Claudine Hoyer says
I was privileged to know Gary as a teacher, superintendent, and YES…cheerleading advisor in Culbertson! He was the best!
It’s been a pleasure and honor to call Gary and Judi my friends.
Hugs to Judi…..Gary will be missed.
Laurie and Dan Enebo says
Judi and Family,
What a wonderful man and role model Gary was! We were fortunate to know him! May peace and comfort come with the wonderful memories you carry in your hearts until you reunite again.
With our thoughts and prayers,
Dan, Laurie, and Family
Denise Thilmony Cavanna says
Judi and family,
I thought of you all today and in searching for you found the news of Gary. You were wonderful friends of our family when I was young and I remember you all fondly. I am sorry for your loss and will keep in you my prayers.
May God grant you all peace, Denise Thilmony Cavanna
Corey Gilman says
Sorry for your loss and always will remember spending time at their residence. He handed me my HS Diploma. Gary was always such a nice and giving person and will be missed. RIP Gsry