Dorin (Dode) Kent Martin

Dorin (Dode) Kent Martin was born on June 22, 1925 in La Habra, California to Dean and Pansy Martin. He passed away on February 1, 2018 at the age of 92 in Fallbrook, California. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Billie Jean (Muggins), and siblings, Myrtis Story, Theressa Fleming, Donovan Martin, and Anella Campbell.

Dode is survived by his daughter, Diane Foust; granddaughters, Tammy Simpson (Paul), Tracy Rogers (Scott), Tora Schilling (Mark); seven great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dode lived in Fallbrook for 90 years. He graduated from Fallbrook High School in 1943. As a World War II veteran, Dode served in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. After completing his service in 1946, Dode and lifelong friend, Dwight Harding, traveled to Oregon to work briefly in the logging industry. Dode returned to Fallbrook and worked for the civil service on Camp Pendleton Military Base as a plasterer.

In 1948 Dode's parents relocated to Oregon, while Dode remained in Fallbrook and resided with his oldest sister, Myrtis Story, her husband, Clarence, and their children, Jack, Cliff, Margaret, and Phyllis.

On nights and weekends, Dode spent his time working on cars and developed a lifelong passion for drag racing, which he then turned into a successful, worldwide business known as Dragmaster Company. In 1998, Dode was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

Dode enjoyed being an active member of the Fallbrook community and dedicated many hours to the Fallbrook Historical Society. In addition to the many hours spent working on cars and giving back to the community, Dode and his wife Muggins also co-founded the Grand Tradition in Fallbrook.

Dode was a mentor to many and will be remembered for his easy-going nature, generosity, and sincere desire to help people.

A private family interment will be held at the Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery. A Celebration of Life to honor Dode will be held at his workshop located at 810 Palomino Road in Fallbrook on February 17 at 2 p.m.