VAN BUREN — Peter B. Martin, 79, died unexpectedly Aug. 14, at his residence in Van Buren.

He was born in Van Buren, June 20, 1932, the son of Joseph and Sarah (Gagnon) Martin. He was a 1950 graduate of Van Buren Boys High School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, serving aboard the destroyer USS Damato DDE 871 as a radio operator.

He was employed as a foreman and supervisor for the Van Buren Water District for many years. He later became very active with the American Legion, Levasseur-Farrell Post 49 of Van Buren, serving in various offices, including commander.

Peter was also very active in the local Boy Scout Troop 196, serving as troop committee chairman. Ouside his family, however, his greatest pleasure was with the St. Bruno Choral Society, with which he was a member for over 46 years.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Venette (Rioux) Martin of Van Buren; two sons, Billy Martin and his wife, Carolyn, of Auburn and Peter Martin of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Anne Marie Trohanovsky and husband, Tom, of Ashland, Ohio; two sisters, Theresa Brochu of Bradenton, Fla., and Celine Cochenour of Baltimore, Md.; three grandchildren, Benjamin, Dustin and Chelsea; one great-granddaughter, Chloe.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.