Hubert Lee Martin, 78, died peacefully at his home in Escalon on Tuesday, Jan. 18 surrounded by his family after a 27-year fight with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on Jan. 27, 1932 to Ollie and Ruth Martin. He resided in the same home in Escalon for 71 years.

Mr. Martin worked at the Ford Garage in Escalon for five years as an auto body and fender repairman and auto painter. He was a dairyman and farmer for 35 years. He met his wife Annabelle Tune while attending Escalon High School. They were married 51 years. Together they raised two children.

He was a Farm Bureau member and a member of the Century Toppers Auto Club, a club whose members exceeded 100 mph in the 1940s. He enjoyed racing go-karts in his earlier years.

Later in life, he enjoyed restoring cars, going to auto races, farm equipment auctions, swap meets, and rodeos.

His family feels blessed to have had a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and friend who will forever be in their hearts.

Survivors include his wife Annabelle; son Bill Martin of Escalon and daughter Jill Turner (Kevin) of Farmington; four grandchildren, Klint Turner, Hollee Turner, Ethan Turner, and Will Turner, all of Farmington, and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Glenn Martin and Doug (Dutch) Martin, both of Escalon.

Graveside services will be Thursday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at Burwood Cemetery. No visitation.

Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Hubert may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., Parkinson Plaza, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305-1425.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 26, 2011