Vernon Martens - Roberson Funeral Home

Vernon Martens

August 15, 1912 - June 30, 2013

Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel

215 Mary Street

Punta Gorda, Florida 33950

941-639-7500 |

Sunday 7/7, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Dr. Vernon “Doc” E. Martens, passed away June 30, 2013 at age 100 and 11 months in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Dr. Martens was born August 15, 1912 in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Charlotte County in 2003 from Haywood, Virginia.

He married Lucille Walter in 1937, they were blessed with a 62 year marriage until her passing on November 11, 1999. Upon graduation from the St. Louis University Medical School, Dr. Martens joined the United States Navy in 1939. Dr. Martens’ distinguished Navy career began in 1939 and ended in 1959. His Navy career, included an extensive combat role as a physician attached to the First Marine Division in the South Pacific during World War II, and ending as the Chief Pathologist and then Director at the National Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Upon retirement from the Navy, Dr. Martens became the Chief of Pathology and then Director of Clinical Laboratories at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington D. C. for the next twenty plus years. While living in Germantown, Maryland with a community of 55 families and no local physician, he opened a general practice to provided patient service to this community every evening from 1950 thru 1968. In addition to all his other professional accomplishments, Dr. Martens cofounded the American Institute of Clinical Scientists.

He is survived by his 7 children, Vernon E. Martens Jr., Robert J. Martens, Carolyn S. Stewart, Joan M. Tapocik, David F. Martens, Gary M. Martens, Elita I. Smith; 16 Grand Children; 14 Great Grand Children and 1 Great-Great Grand Child.

Visitation will be held this Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, July 7, 2013 at Roberson Funeral Home, Punta Gorda Chapel, 215 Mary Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Mass of Christian Burial will be held later in Virginia. Interment will full military honors by a U.S. Navy Honor Guard will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Tidewell Hospice, Inc., 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. will be greatly appreciated. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family.
Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel.

Roberson Funeral Home

Mike Kennedy

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Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel

215 Mary Street

Punta Gorda, Florida 33950

941-639-7500 | Map

Sunday 7/7, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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Dr. Vernon “Doc” E. Martens, passed away June 30, 2013 at age 100 and 11 months in Punta Gorda, Florida. Dr. Martens was born August 15, 1912 in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Charlotte County in 2003 from Haywood, Virginia. He married Lucille Walter in 1937, they were blessed with a 62 year marriage…

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I'll never forget going to your house on Waters Road back in the 60's for soar throats,colds,etc."Doc" you were one of the good ones for sure! May you forever rest in peace. Mike Kennedy

I knew Doc when I was in high school and he and the family had just moved to Madison County VA. I remember spending Thanksgivings at his home surrounded by all those that loved him and it was obvious he loved his family too. He was a kind person who loved to tell stories of his experiences. A truly great teller of tales and someone I could listen to for hours. The world will miss him as will I.

May God bless you and your entire family. Marianne Helene Baekkelund Hansen

I learned of Dr. Martens' death on the internet. He was a great Pathologist and administrator. I am indebted to him for providing me with my first job opportunity in the medical field after I graduated from GWU. Condolences to Carol and the rest of his family.

Dr. Martens was the personal physician for my father, J. Leo Clagett and my mother, Mary L Clagett at their farm in Clarksburg, MD. After my father's passing, my mother became unable to manage the farm. Dr Martens purchased the farm. The family was ever so grateful for his care of our parents and the wonderful manner in which he relieved us of the responsibility of dealing with the sale. He was a great human being as well as an outstanding Medical Practioner!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

This truly was a hard time of learning about this for my family and myself. Dr. Martens was my Grandfathers Brother. The Last time I saw him was a few years back when I was stationed in NC, Camp Lejeune. My parents, Don and Sharon Baer, came to visit us and we made a trip to Virginia to spend some time with him and his family. What a wonderful place they had. Taking my children fishing on their manmade pond, which turned out to be more work for me. Seeing the Fireflies on their back lawn, after a quick rain fall, that covered the grounds and hills as far as you could see, and so many other wonderful things that we did with them. But myself, there was no more of a special memory than when I went with him to his huge house. He showed me some of his past and told me stories of him being with the Marines, being that most of my job entails being with and helping Marines. It was so wonderful to hear the stories of the two skulls, I wont say what type, on his fire mantle piece, and of the times with his Corpsman, of which I am and proud to be and of the most remarkable General for the Marine Corps (Chesty) for which he took care of and has actual letters and commendations signed by him. He told me of the war stories and how he was able to get the skulls home and how terrified his wife was when she opened the box to find them. I truly am blessed to have known such a wonderful person in my life and has given me the Honor and Courage and Insight to continue to serve in our worlds most finest Navy. I wish I could have gotten to hear more and learn so much more but unfortunately due to our worlds conflicts have been unable to do. I understand, know the meaning and share the word "Doc" proudly with him and am truly blessed to have someone so wonderful in my families and my life. We, especially I, will truly never forget and will miss him. Thank you Dr. Martens "DOC", for everything. I hope I can make the same difference. Love HM1 Fleet Marine Force Joseph D. Baer USN.

To Robby and all the Martens Family: I had the pleasure of spending several hours on occaisons talking to Doc. What can I say--He was an American Hero! I could listen to him for long periods of time, which seemed like seconds, telling his past experiences on life in the world of his time. I will miss him and what he stood for, until my time ends. Condolences and best wished to all of the family Jimmy & Janet

I will always remeber the fun times at the farm in Lu Ray. Give my dad (Babe) a hug and kiss for me. Love, Terry

Betty and I are thankful that we were able to attend your dad's 100th birthday. It was a day of fun and celebration of his life. We were able to spend time with all of you and learn more about your dad and mine. That is a wonderful memory that we will have forever.

I love you Uncle Bud, I miss you and you will always be in my heart. I have so many wonderful memories of all our visits. Rest in peace.

May god bless you and your family

It was an honor to know you, Captain. I wish you fair winds and folowing seas. And say "Hi" to Chesty for me !

you will live on forever in my heart. i was very blessed to have known you for the last ten years. i will miss your smile your hugs and your love. you will always be my sunshine.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.