Harold Eugene "Gene" Martin

Memorial Service for Harold Eugene “Gene” Martin age 88 of Neligh, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2025 at Neligh American Legion in Neligh, Nebraska. Inurnment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Nebraska with Military Rites conducted by Neligh American Legion Post #172 and VFW #5287. Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh is handling the arrangements. Gene passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at his home. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the New Moon Community Theatre.

Gene was born Harold Eugene Martin on March 1, 1937 to Harold Edward Martin and Susan Marcella (Eckhoff) Martin in Neligh, Nebraska. Gene graduated from Neligh High School in 1955 and immediately enlisted into the United States Navy. With the exception of his service time, he lived his entire life in Neligh. He died at home on August 3, 2025.

Growing up, Gene had a big interest in Amateur Radio. He received his ham license when he was 16 years old and kept it current throughout the rest of his life. While he was in boot camp he was first assigned to the kitchen. One day a Sargent came in and said “Who owns the car parked outside with the call letters W0UJI on the plate?” No one answered. He looked at Gene and said “is that yours?” Gene nodded and the Sergeant said, “What the (blank) are you doing in here? Get your (Blank) up to the Radio Department.” Gene said “I have to finish here first” and the Sargent replied, “I said NOW!”

That began his military career riding on aircraft carriers and flying from base to base, checking the radios, making repairs, etc. He told us if he had been to Hawaii he could have said he had 'been round the world’. He loved his time in the Navy!

When he returned to Neligh he opened G and B Electronics Sales and Service. He also took an active role in keeping the reels rolling at the local cinema. In 1962 he met and married Rose Marie Harness and they raised three children, Wendy Lee, Robin Gayle, and Kent Eugene. Later he got a job with the Post Office as a letter carrier and retired in 1995 with 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Robin Boschult (Derald). Aunt Lois Martin Starman (Anthony).

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rose Marie, daughter Wendy Bolling (Douglas), son Kent Martin (Angela), 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He had many hobbies: fishing, golf, go-kart racing, and Nebraska football. He loved cats, polka music and dancing, family trips, and building and flying model planes. He was a talented artist and played the piano by ear.