Martin Levan Hamaker, 76, passed away on Feb. 21, 2022, at Moab Regional Hospital. Martin was born in Price on March 1, 1945, and attended school there until the tenth grade when his family moved to Vernal. After graduating from Uintah High School, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1964 and was a Navy Airman. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, for the majority of his service and taught land survival while there.
Martin married Vonna Ione Johnston on Jan. 1, 1968, in Price and later solemnized that union in the Manti Temple on April 1, 1980. They were married for 54 years and had a celebration for their 50th wedding anniversary. They lived in Pensacola, Florida, until the end of Martin’s military service. The couple moved to Price for a short time then moved to Moab. Martin was a member of the Jaycees and was a longtime leader in the Boy Scouts of America, teaching many life lessons to many young men. He loved teaching the things he learned while in his military service to them. He was a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which he held many callings over the years. He was a hardworking man and worked many jobs in Moab, retiring from the U.S. Postal Service in 2000. Martin was a writer and reader of poetry, and had some of his works published in the book “Utah Sings.” In the last few years, he mailed many letters to friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Vonna, and his children, Deleska Behunin (Kerry) of Moab, LaVonna Rasmusson (Jedd) of Haworth, Oklahoma; Martin Hamaker (Andrea) of Riverton, Utah; Leora Strank (Dave) of Alamosa, Colorado; and Christina Winkler (Jason). He left a legacy of 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother and two sisters along with their spouses.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Ellen Hamaker; his parents-in-law, Wayne and Edith Johnston; his stillborn daughter, Elizabeth; two nephews; a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law.
Funeral services for Martin Levan Hamaker will be held on Friday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Moab LDS Stake Center (701 Locust Lane) with a viewing one hour prior to the service at the church. A viewing will also be held on Thursday, February 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Spanish Valley Mortuary. Burial will follow the services at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. You may send condolences to the family at www.spanishvalleymortuary.com
