Martin A. Alewine Jr.

Martin A. Alewine, Jr., Col., USAF Retired, passed from his life on June 17, 2015. Martin had a long productive life in support of his country, but more importantly in support of his Lord. Martin was born August 15, 1932 at 319 W. Main St. in Taylors, SC, son of the late Ansel and Mattie May Hallum Alewine. Educated in public schools in Taylors, Martin graduated from Taylors High School in 1950, serving as class president. Martin entered Clemson College that fall and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Ceramic Engineering, and a commission as a 2nd Lt. in the USAF. It was at this point that one of the major limitations of his life resulted in one of the greatest blessings. Because of an eye deficiency Martin was not able to attend pilot training, but instead was sent to Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio as a project engineer in a research lab. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Mary Lou Lewis of Dayton, on June 15, 1957. That union resulted in 55 beautiful years of marriage and produced three wonderful children, and nine amazing grandchildren. Martin served 30 years in the USAF, and achieved the rank of Colonel, which he wore for the last six years of his career. He retired from the Air Force as Vice Commander of the AF Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, NM. He was a major contributor to President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, aka “Star Wars.” Rather than pursuing a second career upon retiring from the USAF, Martin chose to become involved with grassroots Republican Party politics in New Mexico for nine years. Throughout his adult life, Martin served in local churches, wherever he was stationed. He served as deacon, chairman of deacons on several occasions, and Sunday school teacher. Martin taught the Bible in Sunday school classes for over 55 years. His goal was to serve the Lord through ministry and help his family do the same. The exemplary lives of his children and grandchildren exhibit the promise of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Martin is survived by three children, Marty Alewine (Cindy), of Knoxville, TN, Keith Alewine (Sherry) of Lake Stevens, WA, and Pam Engelker (Jeff) of Tampa, FL. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Megan Alewine, BJ Alewine, Cally Daly, Josette Duncan, Mary Engelker, Rebekah Alewine, James Engelker, Sam Alewine, and Noah Engelker. Martin also leaves behind one brother, Cliatt Alewine and sister-in-law, Liz Alewine, and brother-in-law, Buddy Smith, as well as countless cousins, nephews and nieces. Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alewine, his sister, Betty Smith and a grandson, Shane Alewine. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday at Taylors First Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Paul Jimenez and Dr. Jimmie Harley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held 12:30-1:45 p.m. Monday at Taylors First Baptist Church Gathering Space. The family is at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to the North Greenville University, Mary L. and Martin A. Alewine, Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1892, Tigerville, SC 29688. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Martin A. Alewine Jr.

August 15, 1932 - June 17, 2015