Horace Alton Martin

Horace Alton Martin died on June 4, 2007 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Wasilla, Alaska at the age of 84. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on June 18, 2007 at First Baptist Church off Bogard and Leatherleaf Rd. in Wasilla. Pastors Fred Stroud and Jim Hearn will officiate. Al was born on may 26, 1923 in Amarillo, Tx. While in college he made a decision to join the Civil Air Corp and entered into the Army Air Corps as a pilot. He trained in a variety of aircraft and was assigned to the 738th Bomb Squadron, 454th Bomb Group, 304 Bomb Wing of the 15th Army Air Corps as a pilot of a B-24 Liberator, flying out of Italy in 1943. His rank was 1st Lieutenant. On his 22nd mission over Germany his plane was shot down. He and most of his crew miraculously survived the crash. His own parachute opened just moments before impact. He was captured and became a POW for a period of time before being liberated by General Patton. Upon returning to the States he graduated with honors from Texas Tech College in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He was married to Maxeen Scannell in June 1954 and had 2 sons. He worked for 22 years in the fiberglass manufacturing businesses with Coast Manufacturing, Grizzly Fiberglass and was vice-president of Fenwick Products, Inc. manufacturing fishing rods and accessories. Al attained the rank of Eagle Scout while in high school and later became a Scoutmaster and enjoyed watching his sons follow in his footsteps to attain the rank of Eagle Scout themselves. After leaving Fenwick, Al & his wife Maxeen returned to Bainbridge Island, Washington where he sold real estate before retiring. Al and Maxeen moved to Wasilla, Alaska in 1994. He enjoyed everything Alaska had to offer including hunting and fishing. Al's motto was to put God first in everything that he did and he was a godly example to family and friends. He was a member of Christ Memorial Church in Washington and was a strong supporter for starting new churches. Al was preceded in death by Maxeen Martin. He married Jane Bigford in October 2000 and they spent many wonderful years traveling to new and exciting places. His love of family is a legacy that will live on in his children and grandchildren and he will be sorely missed. Al is survived by his wife Jane of Wasilla, sons and daughters in law John & Joyce Martin and Dr. Jim & Cindi Martin both of Wasilla, brother & sister in law Bill & Harriet Martin of South Bend, Indiana, grandchildren Christopher, Jennifer, David, John, Jeremiah and Julianna. The family requests that memorial donations be given to the Christ Memorial Church Scholarship Endowment Fund at 18901 8th Ave. NE Poulsbo, Washington 98370.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.

Joe D. Evans

Mr. Joe D. Evans, 70, died on May 27, 2007, at home and among family, after a short illness. Joe first came to Alaska in 1957 while serving in the Navy. A veteran, very proud to have served in Kodiak, Adak, and Attu with the 5th Battalion Seabees. He also served in Japan. Joe returned to Alaska in 1962 to join his mother, Hettie Stingley and sister, Abi Evans. Joe worked on the construction of the Alaska Pipeline and retired from the Teamsters.

Joe's passion in life was his property and cabin. After retirement; he considered it his home. Joe had a major impact on his cabin neighbors, those closest to him would enjoy his visits and will know who they are. Joe's training with the Seabees carried on with him thoughout his life. He loved fishing for halibut wih family friends: Jim and Vicki Hurst on their vessel; Sea Dreamer of Valdez. Joe's love for the outdoors of this state was evident. Everything Joe did, he did it wholeheartedly. We could always count on a good tale and an even better laugh in his company.

Joe is survived by his loving sister and closest friend, Abi Evans. His three daughters, Jacqueline Evans, Elizabeth Agre and Cynthia Evans. Joe's grandchildren: Chassity, Joshua, Stephanie, and Jessica. Great Grandchilren: McKenzie, Alexis, Arin, Dominick and Raye Joseph.

His sister Linda Brady of Harve, MT. Cousins: Helen Thacker of San Diego, Ranslebens, Flores, Matas, and Blakes in Texas and Utah. His lifetime friends: The Hurst and Hilmer families in Alaska.

Joe was a very gracious gentleman, who generated a fortune in love and laughter through his kindness, generosity and sense of humor. He was one of a kind. Anyone that truly knew Joe was richer for it and he will be greatly missed.

Local arrangements were provided by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.

Velma Parks

Mrs. Velma Parks, 79, wife of Shelby Parks, of Palmer, Alaska, went to be with her Lord, June 7, 2007 after a short illness at Providence Hospital, Anchorage.

Memorial services will be held at the Gospel Outreach Christian Center, Wasilla on Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 4 p.m.

Mrs. Parks was born May 13, 1928 in Kentucky and moved to Alaska with her husband and children in 1955. She was devoted to her Lord Jesus and taught the Word for many years. She was a member of Aglow, she and her husband ran His Place in Anchorage for many years and she enjoyed attending church group retreats. Velma also loved gardening, berry picking, fishing, and bird and wildlife watching. She was loved by and was always there for her many friends. As a devoted grandmother, she attended most of the children's hockey and baseball games. She enjoyed going on years of hunting trips with her husband and family.

The family appreciates the assistance and companionship of Janet and Scott Ogan, Keith and Charlene Atteberry, Jim and Phyllis Wixson and other friends, too many to mention, who did many things for Mrs. Parks.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Gospel Outreach Christian Center, 4800 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Wasilla, Alaska, 376-3784.

Velma is united in Heaven's choir with her 95 year old mother, Vola Dormer who died in 2006.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Shelby, her sister, Janet Maynard, St Petersburg, Florida; children Ron Parks, Palmer; Jerry Parks (Debbie), Eagle River; Linda Burns, Wasilla; and Carole Kramer of Pinellas Park, Florida; grandchildren, David Kramer, Bradley (Amy) Kramer, Ohio; Christian (Coleen) Kramer, Michigan; Brice and Reece Parks, Anchorage, Lyle Parks, Spokane, Washington; James (Sue) Kvernplassen, Anchorage; and two great grandchildren, Bradley, Jr. and Anna Kramer, Ohio; and her sisters-in-law, Marian Parks, Palmer and Dorothy Bibee, Hamilton, Ohio; cousins, Delora (Chris) Garcia, Kenai; along with many other cousins.

Local arrangements were provided by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.