Martin, Burton Lyle

Burton Lyle Martin, 80, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, May 2, 2010, following an extended illness.

Burton was born Jan. 16, 1930, in Marcus, Iowa, the son of Albert and Bessie (Gibbs) Martin. He married Carolyn (Hill) on Sept. 15, 1957, in Sutherland, Iowa.

Burton was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1951 to 1953 as a medical corpsman and surgical technician. He worked for Rockwell Collins as a laboratory technician for 28 years, retiring in 1992. Burton received several patents and awards for his work in defense communications.

Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Carol; and three children, Craig (Ming) Martin of New York, Christopher (Brittony) Martin of Cedar Rapids, and Michelle (Bob) Siegert of Victoria, Minn.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sisters, Laura (Bill) Wolters and Betty (Paul) Winters. Burton was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and three brothers.

Burton enjoyed spending time with his family; building model airplanes and radios, he built his first at age 14; fishing; machinist metalworking; electronics; and inventing. He was an excellent problem solver, using his skills to make just about anything better. A talented and creative writer, Burton liked to turn a phrase and had a quick sense of humor.

Special thanks to Billie, Bill and Chelsea for their abundant love and support these last difficult months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations to be sent to the wonderful people at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233.

A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 3855 Katz Dr., Marion, Iowa. No traditional services are planned.

Please sign our online guest book for Burton at under obituaries.