Alfred “Al” Wendell Martin, 93 of Coldwater passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2014 at Grand Vista.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor David Anderson officiating. Visitation will be Monday prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM. A private family interment will happen at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, MI.

Alfred was born July 14, 1921 to Alfred and Myrtle (Paynter) Martin in Detroit. He served in the U.S. Air Corps during World War II as a P47 Thunderbolt pilot. Al received several medals including the Distinguished Fly Cross, which was awarded 66 years after leaving the service. He was also awarded the Air Medal with 11 clusters. Al flew 102 missions in the P47 and never crashed, but lost six planes to enemy fire. He was a member of the Caterpillar Club, an informal association of people who have successfully used a parachute to bail out of a disabled aircraft. The club motto is “Life depends on a silken thread”.

On June 8, 1956, he married the love of his life, Lucille Fruchey in Wayne County. She passed away on April 5, 2001.

Alfred worked as a cabinet maker for some time and enjoyed woodworking. He also worked for the City of Livonia in the water department, from where he retired.

Mr. Martin is survived by his dear friend Jean Brown of Coldwater; good friends Don (Diane) White of Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brother.

Memorials may be directed to Shriner Children’s Hospital. www.dutcherfh.com