Lonnie Mack Martin
1958-2025
A life well lived.

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loved one, Lonnie Martin. Our beloved advanced into heaven at home in the loving arms of his soulmate, Kathleen Little, to be with, by grace, our Lord on December 21, 2025, after a month-long battle in the hospital where he fought complications from COPD and RA. Lonnie wasn’t ready to leave us all on Earth quite yet, but his body regrettably had other plans. We were honored to respect his brave wishes of returning home so he could go peacefully where he wanted to be, where his heart was, at home in Rohnerville.

Lonnie was revered as a son, a nephew, a brother, a cousin, a husband and life partner, an uncle, a dedicated and proud father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather, but most of all, he was our tremendous friend. He was regarded as a gallant man who loved his family the most although he also enjoyed earthly pleasures of buck hunting, country music, drag racing, coaching youth sports, baseball (go, Giants!), western movies, BBQing, gardening, and caring for pets. Lonnie particularly enjoyed ringing the family cowbell in support of all his son James’ regional baseball and all-star games while cheering him on. He also enjoyed going to Maui with his family and soaking in the sun and beauty offered there recently. Losing Lonnie is a stark reminder to hold your loved ones close because every day is a gift, and tomorrow is not promised. The grief felt by his loss is insurmountable.

Lonnie was born in Fresno then raised in Humboldt County from age three, where he eventually attended Fortuna Union High School. In 1964, the Martin family was displaced from Stafford when the floods took the house off its foundation and down the river. They lost most everything but the clothes on their back at that time. After that, the Martin family moved to North Court in Scotia for a few years when Lonnie’s dad worked at the Scotia Mill, and then finally to Fortuna on Garden Lane where Lonnie and his siblings attended South and Town Schools. They enjoyed camping together at the beaches and at Swimmer’s Delight in Carlotta during the summers, and spending time together at the Grange.

Lonnie became skilled at many trades. He was an automotive mechanic and enjoyed building and driving his Firebird 400, Chevy Vega, Cheville, Camaro, and Mustangs. He also spent time working at Halverson’s Sawmill, Carlotta Lumber, and B & J Roofing.

Lonnie had the eyes of an eagle, and a heart of gold. We called him a hummingbird because of his love of all sugary things. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a joking personality, and his way of showing love often involved poking fun at you. We will miss his kind demeanor, joyous laughter, and boisterous and outspoken presence that defined him up until the sudden end of his life. It was a privilege to have known him, stubborn and determined as he was. Underneath his reserved exterior, he maintained a certain tenderness which can only be described as selfless kind-heartedness and empathy towards others. He often found happiness in everyday life through watching the flowers bloom and listening to the birds sing in his backyard and being with, and there for, his soulmate Kathleen. He is sorely missed and was deeply loved and appreciated by all who were blessed enough to be in his presence and called his friend.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ira Martin, Alice Martin, Mack Williams, and Violet Williams, parents, James Martin and Nina Martin, sister, Deborah Gutierrez, uncle, Wayne Martin, mother and father-in-law, Margaret Philpot and Thomas Philpot, brothers-in-law, Miguel Gutierrez, Robert Philpot and Dennis Philpot, sister-in-law Gloria Philpot, and his grandson, Daniel Hernandez.

He is survived by his soulmate and life partner, Kathleen Little, their cherished children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, James (Natalie) Martin, Peyton Martin, Monika (Jesse) Mayhan, Margo Mayhan, Sara Little, Emerald Robinson, Zackariah Spencer, Jeremiah Spencer, Lailoni (Matthew) Farnsworth, Felipe (Makayla) Hernandez, Freya Hernandez, Solinda Hernandez, Elizabeth Hernandez, Jamie (Jason) Wray, Jason (Lani) Wray Jr., Kimika Wray, Nakaila Wray, Leann Martin, Brandi Martin, Sie Arnold, Luci Arnold, Lydia Martin, Wyatt Martin, Kyle (Christa) Martin, Kylee Minica, Ryleigh Callahan, Kaycee Martin, Aaleigh Kerney, aunt Betty Martin, brothers Larry (Shelia) Martin, Loren Martin, nephews and nieces, Miguel (Tiffany) Gutierrez Jr., Ashley Gutierrez, Isaak (Paige) Gutierrez, Larry (Jennifer) Martin, Dustin Martin, Jordan Martin, Gavin Martin, Ira Martin, Mira Martin, Preston Martin, Brooke (Ben) Martin-Gill, Jonathan (Kelly) Philpot, Kailaya Philpot, Thomas Philpot, Jamison Philpot, Regina (Tina) Amaral, Lacey (Cameron) Amaral, Owen Conatser, Angela (Jeremy) Arrington, Victoria Arrington, Allora Arrington, Davina Arrington, Eleanor Arrington, Vanessa (Tom) Herr, Hailee Herr, Aaliyah Herr, David Herr, Alivia Herr, Havana Herr, Roseabella Herr, Melissa (Ritchie) Blake, Logan Blake, Bryce Blake, Amanda Blake, Emily Blake, Becca Blake, cousins, Donald Martin, Walker (Kylie) Martin, Cedar Catanio, Lloyd Nichols, Karen Nichols, James Nichols, Lexi Coleman, Roy Nichols, Jess Nichols, Jeanette (Gary) Trone, Kevin (Krista) Trone, Brandon Trone, Mary Martin-Webb, Stephen Webb, and Chris Webb. He is also survived by numerous other friends and relatives. Special mention of his primary caregiver and friend, Bobbi Reese, for years of not only great friendship, but also excellent and devoted specialized care.

Celebration of life services for Lonnie have been arranged and will be held on Saturday, January 31, at the Veteran’s Hall in Fortuna at 1 p.m. Friends and family are welcome toattend the potluck and share in paying tribute to his accomplishments as well as mourning his loss. Guests are encouraged to bring cherished photos, memories, and a dish to share in his honor. His eternal resting place will be at the Sunrise (Newberg) Cemetery in Fortuna. The family wants to thank friends and relatives for their presence and support during this challenging time, as well as Hospice of Humboldt for their service.

###

The obituary above was submitted by Lonnie Martin’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.