Obituary: Augustus Christian Martin, 68

The Honorable Augustus Christian Martin, 68, of Ladson, S.C, entered into eternal rest Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. Born July 29, 1944 in Macungie, he was a son of the late Edward H. Martin and the late Jennie M. Hammond.

After graduating from Emmaus High School, Martin enlisted in the United States Navy and served more than seven years on active duty in the submarine service. After leaving the Navy, he obtained an associate degree in Electrical/Electronics Technology from the Pennsylvania State University and began a 32-year career with Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. in 1970.

During his career at PP&L he attended night school and received a B.A. in Economics from Lafayette College, an M.B.A. from Lehigh University, and a J.D. from Temple University. He received his Professional Engineer’s License in 1977 and was admitted to the Bar in 1986. After admission, Martin was actively involved in Bar Association activities, including serving as president of the Bar Association of Lehigh County. Martin was the first corporate counsel to serve as president and believed that all lawyers, regardless of their employment, should not only support, but also be involved in bar association activities to ensure high ethical and professional standards. 

A dynamic advocate for the local community, Martin served as a member and president of the East Penn School Board and as a trustee, vice chairman and chairman of the Lehigh Carbon Community College Board. He also served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troup 71 in Macungie. 

Known to family and friends as “Gus,” he traveled to Japan many times over the last 20 years to study the martial art of ninjustu. Having achieved the level of 13th dan, he studied the art from the perspective of a multi-dimensional professional background. He helped many other students see the value of using ninjutsu as a basis for self-development by applying tenets of the art to a broader spectrum of life. 

Survivors: He is survived by his daughter, Kim Martin Korda and her husband, Peter, of Larchmont, N.Y, two sons, Andrew C. Martin and his wife, Margaret, of Alexandria, Va., and Jonathan R. Martin and his wife, Denise, of Bordentown, N.J. Five grandchildren; Samantha, Alexander, Cara, Jessica, Isabella, a sister, Betty, and four brothers, Ed, Bob, Jim, and his twin brother, Ben. Gus will be missed by a large, extended family and by many friends and colleagues. 

Services: A Funeral Service will be held at noon on Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – noon in Schantz Funeral Home on the day of the service. Inurnment will follow at a later date. Online condolences may be made to Schantz Funeral Home. 

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Children of Fallen Patriots or the United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation.

Information Courtesy of Schantz Funeral Home P.C.