Ludger Martin

Ludger H. Martin, 94, of Madawaska and Springvale, died peacefully January 2, 2010 at the home of his youngest daughter, Rita Daigle. He was born in Madawaska (St. David) October 29, 1915, the son of Simeon and Annie Martin.Ludger was a veteran of WWII in the Army Air Corps and served as a flight radio operator during the India Burma China campaign. He flew "the hump" over the Himalayas more than 70 times. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster. Upon returning from the service he went to work for Fraser Papers. He married his beloved wife Alice and together they raised six children. Ludger was a devout Catholic, a communicant of Saint Thomas Parish where he served as Eucharistic Minister and lector. He was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus. Ludger also served many years on the Madawaska school board.He is survived by his six children -- Bernard Martin and his wife Patricia of Portland, ME, Marie and her husband Glen Ronco of Snohomish, WA, Isabel and her husband Robert Porell of Windham, ME, Theresa and her husband James Grage of Everett, WA, Helen and her husband John Merrill of Bellingham, WA, Rita and her husband Dr Jeff Daigle of Springvale, ME, eleven grandchildren and four great-grand children.He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Alice (LaPlante) Martin, his brother Lewis Martin and his sister Marietta Martin. A funeral mass will be held in Madawaska in late spring.Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.To leave a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.