Clarence “Boots” Martin, Jr, Age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Kennewick on January 12^th, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His family was at his side at the time of his death. He was tough as “twisted cougar shit” and fought with strength and grit. True to his nature, he never lost hope for one more day with those he loved.

He was born at home in Bowling Green, Kentucky to tobacco sharecroppers in 1942, the last of 7 children.  Life was hard on the farm, and he spent many summers hitchhiking to California to work odd jobs alongside his older brothers.  He made the Tri-Cities his home at age 19 and met his first wife, Drudeana, in 1962. They married in 1964. Together they had three children, Becky Grohs, Shari Perry and a stillborn son, Darren. They spent summers boating on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. He never said no to pulling his kids and their friends endlessly on a tube or water skis. After a day on the river, he always BBQed Ribeye and Corn on the Cob. He was the best Dad any kid could ask for!

He started working for Ray Poland and Sons in 1972, learning much from Ray and developing a life-long friendship and brotherhood with his sons, Dennis and Doug, and their families.  He worked for them until 2011, never missing a day of work. He was a steelworker, ironworker, welder (one of the best!) heavy equipment and crane operator, and superintendent. Dennis’ kids were very special to him.  Calling Candy, Melanie, Melissa and Denny “his kids”.  He was a hard worker, well respected and loved in the industry.

He gave to this community through his work with the Tri- Cities Water Follies for more than 40 years. He volunteered many hours in setting up the docks and cranes in the pits every year. He was an icon at the races, and he will be greatly missed.

He met Sue in 1985 and she was his best friend and partner for almost 40 years. With this relationship, he was blessed with two new daughters, Sally McKenzie and   Andrea Nunez.  He stepped in and loved them like his own. Sue was an incredible wife to him and preceded him in death in 2021. He missed her very much. The love they shared was extraordinary and he never fully regained full happiness after her passing.

Clarence was a special man, and his love and friendship will be missed by many. He was a Seahawk charter seat holder, and shared his seats with family and friends so everyone could create memories together. He was known for his immaculate lawn (carpet-like and weed free!). An avid Coors Light aficionado, he stayed true to the brand. More than anything, he will be remembered for his exceptional work ethic. Having only finished 8^th grade, his work ethic was the foundation to his success personally and professionally.  He was proud of his business sense and over the years he worked hard to acquire properties and a business that could be handed down to his children and grandchildren, a legacy of love and hard work. A special thank you to Margie and Allan White, who worked alongside him many long hours renovating properties.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, both Drudeana and Sue, his son Darren, grandson Tony Nunez, other family, and many close friends, including Dennis Poland in 2022.  He leaves behind his children, Becky Grohs (Nathan), Shari Perry, Sally McKenzie, and Andrea Nunez (Edwin) and grandchildren, Amanda Valdez, Melanie Jones, Daniel Nunez, Nathan, Allison, Rodney and Zane Perry and his great grandchildren, Kora, Theodore, and Sage Nunez, Brinlee and Mack Perry, Penelope Jones and Baby Boy Perry (on the way) and numerous friends and extended family.  His longtime and dear friend Joe Hodgson will miss him greatly.

Celebration of Life will be held on February 17^th at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 4525 Convention Place, Pasco from 2-9pm. Social hour will begin at 2 pm and the service starts at 3 pm, dinner will follow. Please wear your Seahawks gear!