Gary Joe Martin of Federal Way, Washington passed away on December 13, 2024. Gary was born on June 4, 1958 in Snyder, Texas to his parents, Billy Don and Peggy Martin.

Gary graduated from Snyder High School in 1976 and began working for Southwestern Brick alongside his dad, uncle and other family members. Gary was married to his wife of 46 years, Valerie (Burney) on September 2, 1978. Gary and Valerie welcomed their son, Austin in 1980 and their daughter, Mallory in 1985.

Gary was hired by the Boeing Company in July, 1985 and moved to El Paso, Texas. Three years later, the family moved to Seattle so that Gary could continue his career with Boeing. In November, 2021, after 36 years, Gary retired from Boeing.

Gary's biggest joy was being Pa to his grandchildren, Ava and Kye Sashko.

Gary bravely battled emphysema and gastric cancer for many years.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Billy Don and Peggy Martin and his father-in-law, Bobby Burney.

Gary is survived by his wife, Valerie of Federal Way, son, Austin of Tacoma and daughter and son-in-law, Mallory and Dane and grandchildren, Ava and Kye all of Auburn. He is survived by his siblings in Texas, Bill (Joan), Karen (Don) and Brett (Athena). He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Barbara Burney, sister and brother in law, Vicki and Danny Ray Williams, all of Snyder, TX, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Frederick Troncales, the St. Anne's Cancer Center staff and the St. Francis hospital staff for the care and support they provided to Gary over the years and in the final days of his life.

No services are planned at this time, as Gary's final wishes were to be buried in Texas.