Martin Diethelm "Marty" Armstrong, 85, of Bay City was Born in Toledo, Ohio on August 9, 1927, to William Robert and Francis Brown Tait Armstrong, he died December 15, 2012, in Bay City, Texas, following a brief illness.

Marty began his military career in 1944, at the age of 16, by joining the United States Merchant Marines. At age 18, he joined the United States Army. He served his country during WWII, the Korean Conflict, and in various capacities in Germany, France and several duty stations in the United States. Finally, Marty retired from the United States Navy in 1984, having risen to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

He married Goldia Edith Roberts on January 28, 1950, in Grand Island, Nebraska and they remained devoted to one another until her death on March 28, 2000. Together they raised four children; sons Robert Martin (Debra) of Bucyrus, Kansas; Richard Allen (Michele) of Conroe, Texas; as well as daughters Pamela Jean of Gainesville, Texas; and Linda Lea (Phillip) Fisher of Bay City, Texas.

He married Sally Joyce Heinroth in Bay City, Texas, in July 2002, and they were constant companions until her death in 2006. With his marriage, he welcomed two additional children to his family Al (Betty) Heinroth and Celine (B.J.) Krenek.

Marty had a wonderful sense of humor and those who knew him could always count on hearing one of his jokes. He strived to enrich the lives of his family and everyone he came in contact with. He was an inspiration; a role model to his children, grandchildren and his extended family. A truly giving person; in his later years, he donated his time and talents to his community. A gifted musician, he played his music for God, entertaining the congregation at his church, the community at Gospel Music Jamborees and as a member of the Medicare Band playing for the the elderly and infirmed in Nursing Facilities in Bay City. His bright tenor voice now sings in God's choir in Heaven.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge #232 and was a Life Member of the Phillip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 of Bay City.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two wives, and 7 siblings.

In addition to his children, he is survived by 15 grandchildren Michael (Courtney) Gregg, William (Courtney) Gregg, Mickie (C.J.) Jones, Marty (Sara) Armstrong, Patricia (Ralf) Kraus, James Armstrong, Melanie (Brett) Ashcraft, Jonathan (Becky) Armstrong, Eric Armstrong, Sean (Jennifer) McFarlin, Mandy (Dwayne) Zatopek, Phillip (Stephanie) Fisher, Abigail Armstrong, Sarah Armstrong, and Richard Armstrong , 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, as well as many dear friends.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, December 21, 2012, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at Bay City Funeral Home; 2205 Avenue K, Bay City, Texas.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2012, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church; 3102 5th Street, Bay City, Texas, with Masonic and VFW graveside services to follow at Cedarvale North Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home (979) 245-4893