Martin Christopher Durette was born October 31st, 1963, in Akron, Ohio to Lovie Mae (Hamm) Durette and Herndon Anthony Durette. He was the baby, and the 5th child born to this union. He was baptized as an infant St Mary’s church in Akron. He attended Akron public schools and graduated from Central-Hower High School in 1982. After graduating, he welcomed his first child, a son named Jermaine Donte Norwood in 1983. He worked a couple of jobs, including a coal mine for about 1 day before he made a decision that completely changed his life, and gave him a career he loved and was proud of. The Marine Corps!

He graduated from boot camp at Perris Island, and his MOS was Heavy Equipment Operator. He was first stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) EL Toro, and after a chance meeting at the base night club he met his wife Valerie Warrick and the rest is history. They were married after a 9-month relationship on March 6th, 1987, and after living in Santa Ana, California for a few months they moved away to the island of Oahu, Hawaii, where Martin was stationed at MCAS Kaneohe Bay , that was later renamed Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii. In 1989 they welcomed their son Davani Durette.

They later moved to Martins’ new duty station MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where Martin was a heavy equipment instructor at Courthouse Bay. Having the gift of gab and being a people person allowed him to shine and flourish. During his time in Hawaii, he enjoyed hunting on base, tending to his garden, and teaching the boys to fish and shrimp. After about 4 years the family was stationed back at MCB Hawaii.

Their last duty station was assigned in 1999 to Barstow Logistics Base in California, at which time they settled into nearby Victorville. He retired from active duty in the Marine Corps in 2005 as a Master Sgt after nearly 22 years of service. He later was employed on that same base at EG&G, as a Materials Packer, before he was hired on base as a GS-13 Logistics Management Supervisor.

Martin enjoyed many pastimes and hobbies during his life. He loved to watch Westerns and Action films, and he loved to shoot craps and play dominos as a younger adult. He was also a lifelong fan of the blues and a major BB King fan. As a young boy visiting his Grandma Rette, she sat him on the counter while she cooked. This taught him to love cooking, and he was happy and proud to see people eat and enjoy his food. As he matured, he loved to spend time in the casino, in the RV, and his latest hobbies were restoring Navy and ship clocks, and collecting HO scale trains. He was always a people person, but what truly gave him joy was spending time with babies and dogs. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from University of Phoenix in Business Administration. He mentored, coached and advised people in many different capacities throughout his career and life.

Around 2023, Martin said the Lord spoke to him and told him he needed to be saved and baptized, because his time on earth was limited. He was born again and baptized at Spirit Filled Family Church in Hesperia, California. He enjoyed spending time with his new brothers in Christ and fellowshipping. He loved reading his bible, and lived by the church motto, “God First Everyday”, reading his word and saying his prayers at the beginning and end of each day.

Martin was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in February of 2024 but enjoyed his life and lived it under his terms until the last 4 months when his body could no longer keep up. During that time, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends where he was surrounded by love and respect. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home Friday morning May 8th, with Valerie and Davani by his side.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Oscar Hamm and Georgia Thompson Hamm (Johnie) Robinson, Lynfort Durette and Blanche Reed Durette, parents Herndon Durette and Lovie Hamm Durette and Uncle Lynfort Durett. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Valerie Warrick-Durette, his sons Jermaine Donte Norwood and Davani Durette. His grandchildren Jaylen, Jacob, Nathan, Skyler, Orion, Nola and Empress. His uncle Foster C Durette, his siblings, best friend and favorite person in the world- Jerry Durett, Alicia “Cissy” Durett, Cindye Durett, Herndon “Tony” Durett and Cherie Burt. Nieces and nephews Angela Silva, Syretta Williams-(Michael) Ivory, Ciera Norwood, Herndon Durett III and Foster Durett. His in-laws Mother-in-Love Nathalee Williams- (Matthew) Barnett and Father-in-law Richard Warrick. 2 of Valeries brothers Randy and Drake who he was closest to, and Andrew, Kavon (Laverne), and Ramon. Also, special friends and brethren Lee Powell, Chauncey Harris, Darwin O’neal, Bill Nash, Frank Alston, Bryan Robinson, and grand dog Queen.

When Martin loved, he loved fiercely and he also leaves many other cousins, former Marine brothers and sisters, students, colleagues, employees and acquaintances that were as special to him as he was to them. He will be truly missed. Semper Fi!!

California services were handled by Hemphill Mortuary, San Bernardino, Ca. The California memorial service was presided over by Bishop Raymond Love at Spirit Filled Family Church in Hesperia, Ca.

Ohio services were handled by Stewart-Calhoun Mortuary, Akron, Ohio. Ohio graveside services were presided over by Pastor R. Stacy Jenkins from House of Prayer for all People, Akron, Ohio. Internment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio.