Lewis Martin

Lewis James Martin, 73, of Billings, MT passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018, in Billings. Viewing will be held between the times of 2pm-8pm on Thursday, July 19th at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Friday, July 20th at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral. Lewis James Martin was born in Belcourt, North Dakota to Margret Grandbois and Lloyd Martin on November 22, 1944. He went to school at Flandreau High School in South Dakota. Lewis married the love of his life, Lourelia Jean Cree-Tobiness on September 11, 1968. He worked many jobs throughout his life, until landing the occupation of a housing officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1979. There he worked for the government for 28 years and retired in 2007. Lewis was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the Army from 1967-1969. He was recognized for his outstanding service and asked to accept the purple heart, but respectfully declined. Lewis helped construct the two towers of the International Peace Garden on the border of North Dakota and Canada, this job was a true testament to his character as it took hard work, dedication and patience. Lewis was strong in his faith and a devout Catholic; he took the teachings of God and implemented them into his daily life as well as raising his family with strong moral values. He was an English major and never missed a chance to bite you with his grammar bug. Lewis had a sense of humor and was a kid at heart, he would be the first person to try and make you laugh and leave you with an impression, in which he always succeeded. In the end of his days, Lewis was regaining his strength to walk his treasured love of 49 years down the aisle for their 50th anniversary, to renew his vows to the love of his life before God once again. There was never a dull moment in his presence and his enlightened spirit will be missed. Lewis had a way of lighting up a room and touching people's hearts. He had the most genuine heart and his warm embrace will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him. Lewis is survived by his wife, Lourelia Jean Martin; 4 daughters, Aurora (Andrew) Gunville, Aurelia (Adam) Renfro, Natasha Martin and Twileta (Douglas) Griggs; 1 son, Aaron (Delores) Martin all of Billings, Mt; 10 sisters, Mable Parisien of Dunseith, Ida (Bill) Poitra of Belcourt, Joyce (Jerry) Goulet of Gilby, Darlene (James) Goulet and Wanda Smith, both of Grand Forks, and Linda (Dave) Houle, Diane (Bernerd) Delong and Shirley (Rusty) Thomas, all of Belcourt; 3 brothers, Lloyd (Dolly) Martin Jr. of Grand Forks, Darrell (Kristi) Martin of Fargo and Duane (Michelle) Martin of Belcourt, North Dakota. His legacy lives on through his 17 grandchildren, Austin Page, Cole (Casey) Martin, Emerald Martin, Aunaya Martin, Lourelia Martin II, Houston Martin, Harmoni Martin, Ethan Martin, Katelynn Martin, Rainee Martin, Race Martin, Shelbie Martin, Aeryn Martin, David Morado, Emilio Morado, Baidn Griggs, Janakiya Griggs, and, an honorary granddaughter, Isabeau Black Eagle. He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren, Erin Martin, Liberty Martin and Kaelynn Martin. He had enough love in his heart to care for and is remembered by 3 honorary adopted children, Robert (Debbie) Delorme, Jane Black Eagle and Joe (Jennifer) Garcia Jr. Lewis Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Margret and Lloyd Martin; sisters, Evonne Hammock and Donna Patnaude; brother, Larry Martin; and his set of twin grandchildren, Reno and Rio Martin.