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Maurice Martin, 80, died June 16, 2020 at home.

He was a retired Merchant Mariner, Central Supplies Coordinator (St. Mary’s Hospital) after serving proudly in the United States Navy for 20 years until his retirement in 1979.

During Maurice’s naval career, he was a Chief Petty Officer and served aboard numerous commands including: U.S. Naval Recruiting Station, Houston, TX; U.S. Naval Station, Charleston, SC; USS JOHN KING (DDG-3); CINCLANTFLT Headquarters, Norfolk, VA; USS WASHTENAW County (LST-1166); USS BLANDY (DD-943); Fleet Intelligence Center Europe and Atlantic, Norfolk, VA; USS EL PASO (LKA 117); and Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport MS.

As a result of Maurice’s  naval service, he earned the Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Citation; Navy Unit Citation; Vietnam Service Medal (six awards); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device; Good Conduct Medal (Fourth award) and the National Defense Service Medal.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, Moses and Ida Martin; older brother, Vincent Martin; and step-son, Elton Craig Lofton, all of Port Arthur.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 36 years, Dianne Hayes Martin; sons: Maurice Martin, Jr. (Dallas, GA); Oliver Martin (Moss Point, MS); daughter, Kitrina Martin Harper (Christopher/Dallas, GA); stepson, Archie Lofton III (Cynthia/Port Arthur, TX), stepdaughter, Crystal Fontnette Boudreaux (Dale/Beaumont, TX); brothers: Richard Martin (Catherine/Georgetown, TX), Anthony Martin (Aurora, CO) and Carl Martin (Sylvia/Dallas, TX); sisters: Rosita Maryland (Carson, CA), Barbara Nico (Port Arthur, TX), Althea Brown Portley (Ogden/Beaumont, TX); brother-in-law, Elton Hayes, Jr. (Marilyn/Stafford, TX); sister-in-law, Dr. Patricia Hayes Hiller (Austin, TX); Brenda Dugat (Wesley/Houston, TX); grandchildren: Trinity Martin (Concord, NC), Jemele and Emily Harper (Dallas, GA); step-grandchildren: Corwin Thomas (Port Arthur, TX), Timothy Hill
(Chester, VA); Anthony, Jr. and Shay Boudreaux (Beaumont, TX); Darneisha Ridgway (Paul/Houston, TX); numerous nephews, nieces, great grandchildren and other relatives.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2020 at Gabriel Funeral Home Chapel with visitation from 8 a.m. until service time.

Burial will be in Houston National Cemetery.