C. Gary Martin, 86, of Prospect died Friday at the Butler Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 21, 1922, in McKees Rocks and was the son of Herman G. and Emily Ruth Piper Martin.

He retired from J&L Steel in Aliquippa.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served as a staff sergeant in the Army, where he received a Purple Heart. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, Bunker Hill, in Beaver County.

He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Prospect.

He is survived by a brother, Gene Martin of Texas; a sister, Thelma Homyk of Aliquippa; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his wife, Marion Carl Martin, who died in May; a sister, Vivian Bryan; and a brother, Brady Martin.

<B>MARTIN</B> — A graveside service for C. Gary Martin, who died Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Union Cemetery in Monaca with the Rev. David Douglas officiating.Arrangements are by the Jay <B>Bryan Funeral Home</B>, Prospect.