Martin Michael Luther

Martin was born on February 26, 1949 and passed away on June 29, 2015. Martin was a resident of Escondido, California. Martin Michael Luther, known to all his friends and family as "Marty", was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. Marty's stature was not only impressive in person but in character, personality and heart. His boisterous, goofy personality always shined and he knew how to make people laugh often. He was the kind of person anyone could sit down with and just have a chat, ask advice and knew he was listening and was there for them. Marty's broad smile welcomed all into his generous heart and home. Marty served several tours of duty in Vietnam in the US Air Force as a Special Forces member and worked with military dogs. His duty to country and bravery earned him several military honors, including The Purple Heart. Marty worked at Sea World in San Diego for a number of years as a security guard. He would even do escorts for special guests from time to time. In fact, he was a favorite of Danny DeVito, the actor, whenever he visited Sea World. Marty's expertise in weapons earned him high respect in the Law Enforcement community. He worked at the San Diego County Sheriff's academy range at Camp Elliott for a few years teaching new recruits the mechanisms of firearm weaponry and safety practices. During the 2003 San Diego county wildfires, Marty was able to save the firing range and surrounding buildings from disaster using a bulldozer providing a fire safety zone. This prevented the fire from spreading to the range and and nearby buildings. The San Diego County Sheriff Department presented Marty a Commendation Award for his actions. Marty was also awarded a Special Recognition from The Honorable Congressman Duncan Hunter for his heroic actions of 2003. Marty was made a Sergeant in the San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association. Marty spent the rest of his working career in a security and dispatch role at Valley View Casino. He particularly loved his job at Valley View and would often talk about the good folks he worked with and the experiences he would have there. Marty's hobbies included gardening, he loved his home-grown tomatoes. He also loved writing, camping, hunting, astronomy, home projects and his gun and knife collection. He loved reading about military and U.S. history. Marty also loved to Barbecue and he was very good at that. All who ate at his house were awed by his culinary skills. Celebrating holidays, especially Halloween, was a favorite of Marty and his wife, Carrie. They would decorate the house so fantastically that they'd have well over a hundred Trick-Or-Treaters visit. Oh, let's not forget the Halloween parties they threw that were legendary among family and friends. His daughters Melanie Luther and Rebecca Harper were present at his bedside at home when he passed away on June 29th. He is survived by his grandchildren Brandon and Ashley Harper and his fur kids, Boo and Travis.

Martin Michael Luther

February 26, 1949 - June 29, 2015