Eugene Hasten Martin

Eugene “Gene” Martin, age 58, of Dayton, Ohio, peacefully departed this life on August 17, 2025, at Miami Valley Hospital. Born on September 17, 1966, Gene was the eldest of three children and a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.
A 1984 graduate of Belmont High School, Gene went on to work at St. Elizabeth Hospital until its closure, a position he truly valued and enjoyed. Most recently, he was a dedicated and proud employee at Wayman AME Church, where he poured his heart into his work and his faith.

Gentle and kind by nature, Gene was known for his quiet and caring heart. He truly ‘would not hurt a fly.’ He enjoyed landscaping and gardening, finding peace in nurturing the beauty of the earth, a skill he learned from and shared with his beloved grandmother, Mary. He will also be remembered for his thoughtful acts of kindness, most notably his tradition of giving roses to nursing home patients on Mother’s Day, a gesture that brought joy to many.

A devoted follower of Christ, Gene carried his Bible faithfully wherever he went. He was baptized as a young man at True Christian Missionary Baptist Church and lived his life with gratitude, praising God not only in grand moments but also in life’s smallest blessings. Even while purchasing groceries, he could be found giving thanks to God at the register.

Gene was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.C. and Mary Martin; grandmother, Mary Dean; stepfather, Daniel Schooler; uncles, Robert Martin, Olin Martin, and Kelly Dean; and aunts, Dorothy Thomas, Willa B. Samuels, and Barbara Hooks.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Shirley Aldridge; his sisters, Tanya Hogan (Keith) and Danielle Byrd; his nephews, Joseph Martin and Kenyon Byrd; his nieces, Donica Cooley and Kennedy Byrd; his great-nephew, Rylan Moreland; and his great-niece, River Lakes. He is also survived by his uncles, James Martin and Bruce Mitchell; his aunt, Linda Smith; his close friend, Monica Williamson; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.

In his passing, Gene gave the ultimate gift of life through organ donation, blessing others with healing, strength, and renewed hope.

Eugene “Gene” Martin will forever be remembered for his faith, compassion, and gentle spirit. Though his presence will be deeply missed, the love he shared and the lives he touched will continue to shine as a testimony to his life.

The family will honor Gene’s life with a private Celebration of Life ceremony in place of a traditional funeral service. For additional information, please reach out to the family directly

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