Obituary of Clarence A Martin

Clarence A. Martin, Sr., 82 of Mount Pleasant Township, Honesdale, died Sunday, December 4, 2011 in Bethany Village, Bethany, PA after an illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Peggy Sasser in 2009. Born on January 1, 1929 in Plattsburg, NY, he was the son of Lewis and Irene Cross Martin. Clarence attended the Bethany Presbyterian Church with his family. Clarence spent his life working with race horses in several states. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association. Clarence was a leading driver and trainer up and down the east coast, competing at Pocono Downs, Liberty Bell, Brandywine, Freestate, Baltimore Raceway, Atlantic City Racetrack and Vernon Downs. In 1971 he won the prestigious "Battle of Brandywine" with the horse Beau Rivage. His most memorable horse came in 1981, when he trained and drove the World Champion Temujin. In his later years he and his wife could be found following the Pennsylvania fair circuit. Clarence was a loving father and respected horsemen who will be sadly missed. Clarence is survived by five children: Clarence A. Martin, Jr. and his wife Mary of Honesdale, James Martin of Pine Hurst, North Carolina, Sherry Hannah of Ringgold, Georgia, Phillip Martin and his wife Michele of Florida, and Vernon Martin and his wife Missy of Gerogia; four sisters: Doris, Cindy, Janet, and Linda; thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Stella. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home 1228 North Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431. Friends may visit on Friday, December 16 from 6:00 P.M. until the time of service. Memorial Contributions may be made in Clarence's Memory to the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517.