Martin, Darrel Dennis

On March 20, 2015, Darrel Martin, 69, of Newport, began h
is first heavenly political campaign. He is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Marie Martin, and their two daughters: Laura Marie Martin of Reston, and Erin Lyndal Martin of Madison, Wisconsin. He also leaves behind a brother, Dr. Douglas Martin, and his many friends, golfing buddies and the political banner to be picked up by others. He was predeceased by his parents Paul and Bernice Martin.
Darrel met his wife at Mountain Lake Hotel in 1964. That is also where he met his first political candidate, Andrew Miller. After that, he taught English at the University of Richmond until he moved back to Giles County.
The 1985 gubernatorial win by Jerry Baliles sent Darrel to Richmond as the first strategic planner for the State of Virginia. Afterwards he returned home to Giles County and worked with Jim Nichols in Agriculture at Virginia Tech before going to work with President Jim Mc Comas. He managed many political campaigns and was a political consultant for others throughout his entire life.

Darrel was most proud of his two daughters. He often called them his two greatest achievements.Other achievements that he fathered include the Virginia Rescue Squads Assistance Act, which still gives money to the local rescue squads, the concept for the Tech Bioinformatics Center and his work on the SALT II Treaty through the Pew Foundation.

All who knew him called him friend and noted his great compassion and generous spirit. He was also an animal lover. He fed an assortment of raccoons, skunks, stray cats and other creatures. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 6th at the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, 111 Church St., SE, Blacksburg, VA at 1:30 pm. Until then, feed an animal in his honor. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. No flowers please. You may make a donation to Angels of Assisi in Roanoke or the Humane Society of Montgomery County in Blacksburg or your favorite charity. The Kendall Funeral Home in Pembroke is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com