Obituaries » Herbert Martin
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Obituary Viewed 7125 times
October 1, 1931 – December 8, 2021
Burial Date December 29, 2021
Funeral Home James H. Cole Home for Funerals, Inc.
Church James H. Cole Northwest Chapel
Tuesday (12/28): Public Viewing – 12PM to 5PM; James H. Cole Northwest Chapel
Wednesday (12/29): Live-cast Funeral Service – 11AM (click here to view); James H. Cole Northwest Chapel
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Herbert Lloyd Martin was born Oct 1. 1931 to Addison Martin Sr and Lou Martin in Detroit,
Michigan. Herb was the second of three sons, Addison Martin Jr. (1st born) and the youngest, Charlie.
Herb was raised on the North end where he attended and graduated from Northern High School. It was
also high school where Herb was first introduced to guitar and bass and where his passion for music later
led to an early career playing gigs in the early 50’s with many Detroit luminaries including Barry Harris,
Claude Black and even some appearances with Sammy Davis Jr. Herb was most proud of these
experiences and he also frequently discussed the experiences from his “day job” as the primary driver for
the CEO of Cunningham’s drug store. More succinctly, he described how these experiences helped to
define how he wanted to live in the future.
In 1955, he met the lovely Rosemary Lee and after a short courtship they were married in 1956.
This union produced three sons, Herb Martin Jr, Steve Martin and Sean Martin. Following their marriage,
at age 30, Herb entered college at Eastern Michigan University. Herb would often say he loved college for
the opportunity to learn and over the next 10 years he was able to acquire his bachelors degree and
advanced degrees from both Eastern Michigan and the University of Michigan respectively.
In the late 60’s, a good friend of his (Don Bylsma) recommended Herb for a teaching position as
a professor of psychology at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor Michigan and for the next 27
years, he held the position of professor of psychology. He loved that job and the students loved him too!
During those years, Herb also began to fully explore the practice of psychotherapy and in the 70’s he had
the opportunity to train under Albert Ellis, PhD, one of the pioneers in contemporary psychology for
several years. Following this incredible opportunity, Herb opened up his private practice in the Fisher
Building where he maintained a significant practice for over 20 years.
As a man, Herb was transcendent. His charisma, style, and confidence were as recognizable as his
smile. Clearly admired wherever he went, his warmth and humility captured the hearts of both men and
women alike.
Herb could also be described as a man who did it his way a-la Frank Sinatra, a man who enjoyed life,
lived it to the fullest, capturing each moment good and bad with an appreciation for what it was. He passed that energy to just about everyone he touched. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed
immensely.
Herb is survived by his brother Addison Martin Jr. of 91 years, his sons Herb Martin Jr., Steve
Martin, Christian Martin, grandson Austin Martin, granddaughter Paige Martin, nephew Addison Martin
Jr, niece Diane Martin, First cousin William Lattimore Jr., Daughter in law Peggy Curtis Martin,
“brothers” Gary Anderson, Dimitri, and Steve K, “sister” Caroline and “sons” Michael and Van.
Herb is preceded in death by his father Addison Martin Sr, his mother Lou Martin, his brother Charlie Martin,
wife Rosemary Martin and son Sean Martin.
