Dorrance Martin

LOWVILLE-Dorrance “Skip” Martin, 89, of Brookside Senior Living Community, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 5, 2024.

Dorrance is remembered and celebrated by his family, including his three children, Carrie S. Martin, Steven C. and Andrea (Valente) Martin, and Douglas J. Martin and William S. Clarke III.  His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Cailey Martin (partner Brian Newton) and Joe Martin.  His sister, Dolores F. Martin, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins, also survive him.  Dorrance was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne, who passed away on August 29, 2022; his father Christian Martin; and his mother, Selma Martin Nichols.
 

Dorrance was born on September 23, 1934 in Lowville, NY, a son of the late Christian and Selma Mellnitz Martin.  He graduated from Beaver River Central School in 1953.   It was during his 1W service from 1954-1955 at Brook Lane Farm (Psychiatric Center) in Hagerstown, MD, that he met the love of his life, Anne M. Ediger.  They married on August 24, 1956, at Bethel Mennonite Church in Inman, Kansas.  Dorrance worked on his family's farm before driving a feed truck for Agway in Castorland.  Later, he would drive 18 wheelers for Climax Manufacturing Company, (mostly in and out of New York City) until his retirement.  In the early 1990’s, Dorrance fulfilled his dream of owning his own salvage yard, Skip’s Salvage Yard, which he operated into his retirement.

A follower of Jesus Christ, Dorrance was a dedicated member of the First Mennonite Church in New Bremen.  He was also a founding member of Beaver Camp, where he spent many years of service and recreation.  He and Anne generously donated their time and skills to the Mennonite Disaster Service, helping those in need, here and throughout the country.  Dorrance and Anne shared a passion for exploring new places in their Ford F-250 and 5th wheel camper, making memories together, with their children and grandchildren all while giving back to the communities they visited.

A lover of the water, Dorrance passed on his passion for boating to his children and grandchildren, fostering countless memories on the Beaver River, Black River, Beaver Lake, St. Lawrence River, and at the harbor in Gloucester, MA.  His mechanical skills were unmatched, whether he was working on car or truck engines, welding, or enjoying a car race.  One of Dorrance’s greatest regrets in life was selling his treasured Ford Model A "The Old Antique," that he had as a young man.

Those who knew Dorrance will remember a man who was as handy as he was gentle—a quiet force who could fix anything and often did, with a smile and a helping hand.  His happy place in his later years was in his gazebo, watching the geese fly over his Waters Road property, affectionately known as "the River House."  In his earlier years he would putter there in his garage to his heart's content.

Dorrance lived a full life, touching the lives of all he met with his kindness, his talents, and his commitment to community.  He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February10, 2024 at First Mennonite Church, New Bremen with Ed Steckly, Pastor officiating.  Spring burial will be in First Mennonite Church Cemetery.  Calling hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 prior to the funeral service, at the church.  Contributions may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service, P.O. Box 546, Lowville, NY 13367 or Beaver Camp, 8884 Buck Point Road, Lowville, NY 13367.  Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.

Condolences may be shared with Dorrance’s family at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.