Lincoln, California
Air ForceAfghanistanIraqDate of Birth: 1987-07-17
Date of Passing: 2020-03-17
erek Scott Martin, 32, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in Lincoln, CA. Derek was born in Wellington, KS on July 16, 1987. He is a graduate of Wellington HS, class of 2005. He enlisted in the USAF in 2006. Upon graduating from Basic Training at Lackland AFB, TX, he was assigned to MacDill AFB, FL as part of the 6th Security Forces Squadron. Derek loved his job & was quick to volunteer for deployments. He proudly served in Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom, deploying to both Iraq & Afghanistan. Derek took pride in his job & was able to gather vital intelligence of adversary movement while still helping the locals. In fact, his efforts even touched the hearts of the band Metallica to where they provided him with items to donate to these children. He was a decorated war veteran & recipient the Purple Heart. Derek married Renee Michelle (Grove) Martin in Tampa, FL on September 14, 2011, who was also active duty. Derek moved to Lakeland, FL, separated from the military in 2012, & went to Professional Golfers Career College in Orlando, FL, specializing in pro golf management. Derek graduated top of his class in 2013, holds the course record with a 59, & qualified for numerous tournaments. In 2013, the family moved to Visalia, CA upon learning Renee would become a Recruiter. Derek worked hard as an assistant golf professional at Valley Oaks Golf Course, & most recently, at Lincoln Hills Golf Club; the family moved to Lincoln, CA a few years ago. Due to Derek’s love for the military & helping others, Derek partnered with Wounded Warrior Project & spent a great deal of time talking about his military experiences with local veterans, hoping that sharing his stories would help others. Derek always believed there were others that needed help more than himself. In conjunction with one of his Air Force brothers, who like Derek suffered from PTSD, he co-founded the nonprofit, Rimpact Foundation, in 2014. He always believed sports, especially golf, was a way to ease the pain people felt, especially those with PTSD & TBI ailments. Rimpact’s mission was to bring wounded warriors together around the game of golf, & Derek was key in acquiring donations for equipment, rounds of golf, & lessons. Derek got such joy volunteering his time to teach golf lessons outside of the organization & work, as well as being a regular volunteer at his children’s elementary school. Derek was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan & a loyal fan to Metallica. He enjoyed running, beer, snow, cooking, playing video games, talking to people, & being silly with his kids. Derek coached his son’s youth football, basketball, & baseball teams. Derek truly was a big kid at heart & enjoyed being home with his wife & kids. Derek is survived by his wife of eight years, Renee, and their two children, Kayson James & Kalli Faith, of Lincoln CA; his son, Parker Scott, of Wellington, KS.