Kevin Martin

Kevin Martin, 54, passed away July 9 of brain cancer at his home in Fallbrook.

Born October 19, 1959 in Fort Worth Texas, Kevin moved shortly afterward to Charlottesville, Virginia with his family before settling in Corona, Calif. when he was a year old. He was one of the youngest airplane travelers at the time.

At the age of 9, Kevin and his family moved to La Mesa, Calif. where he grew up and he ultimately graduated from Monte Vista High School.

After high school, Kevin went to truck driving school and worked as a driver before changing occupations and going into management positions for various companies.

On June 19, 1978, he married Debi Branch and the couple had two daughters. They moved to Fallbrook in 1990 and Kevin was employed as an environmental services manager by Fallbrook Hospital (and Skilled Nursing Facility) for 15 years.

The last six years of his life, Kevin worked for U-Haul as the general manager of the Poway location.

Kevin was an avid fisherman and greatly enjoyed trips to the family's cabin in the desert where they enjoyed off-road sports.

He was a dedicated member of the Brooktown Racing team and both he and Debi participated in the sport as stock car drivers at Perris Auto Speedway.

He is survived by his wife, Debi; daughters Cheryl (Roger) Stopps, Midland, Texas and Candice Martin, College Station, Texas; granddaughters Audrey and Megan Stopps, Midland Texas; mother Mildred Martin, Weatherford, Texas; father James Martin, Hillsborough, Oregon; brothers James Martin Jr., El Cajon, Calif., Bill Martin, Rosemead, Calif., and Phillip Martin, Hillsborough, Oregon; and sister Katy Martin of Fallbrook.

A service will be held on Wednesday, July 16 at 2 p.m. at First Christian Church, 318 W. Fig St., Fallbrook, with Pastor Lee Roberts officiating.

Donations in Kevin's memory may be made to a hospice of choice.