Herbert Martian, age 82 passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood. Graveside services will be held Saturday, August 24th at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.
Herbert Joseph Martian was born September 27, 1936 at rural, Glencross, South Dakota to Jacob and Angeline (Keller) Martian. Herbert grew up on the family farm and attended Harding rural school. He helped on the family farm until moving to Mobridge, South Dakota.
On June 24, 1961 he married Shirley Main in Mobridge. They lived in Rapid City, South Dakota for 2 years where Herbert worked on the missile sites. In November, 1963 Herbert and Shirley moved to Southern California. Herbert worked in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. In November, 1976 they bought their home in Downey where Herbert spent the remainder of his life.
Herbert loved to tell jokes and reminisce about life on the farm. He enjoyed playing cards, gardening, working on crafts, polka music, going on cruises and traveling in the motorhome. For the past 5 years Herbert and Shirley have spent the winter at Indian Waters RV Resort in Indio. He made many friends there and enjoyed taking in the activities at the resort.
Herbert was a member of the Downey Elks Lodge and Mobridge Moose Lodge.
Herbert leaves behind his wife Shirley of 58 years. Also surviving are 3 brothers, Jerome (Bundie) Martian of Yankton, SD; Larry (Dorothy) Martian of Whitewood, SD; and Leonard (Raetta) Martian of Bismarck, ND. Three sisters; Marcella Niles of Edgewood, Washington; Judy (Ervin) Zimmerman of Bismarck, ND; and Charlotte (Marvin) Sandland of Lynden, Washington. Two sister-in-laws; Donna Martian of Rapid City, SD and Cheri Martian of Trail City, SD.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers; Gerald Martian, Edwin Martian and Richard Martian, one sister; Lorraine, who died in infancy.
