Martin George-William Draxlir entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 7, 2024. A memorial celebration of his life is being held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at the home of Morgan and Linda Draxlir in Moyie Springs.
Marty was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 21, 1942. His family moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where he spent his childhood and attended high school. From there he went to the University of Iowa for two years before his draft notice prompted him to join the Navy. Marty served six and a half years as a U.S. Navy pilot, during which time he met and married Linda Hubert in Pensacola, Florida.
In 1970, after serving three years in Vietnam, the couple moved to a small acreage on the Frazier River in British Columbia. While there, Marty met the Lord Jesus and committed his life to Him. Soon Marty and Linda joined Canadian Sunday School Mission and moved to Pender Island, B.C. to work at Hope Bay Bible Camp until returning to school- first Miller Memorial Bible School and then John Brown University- where Marty graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Education. During those years they were blessed with four sons, Morgan, Isaac, Aaron and Lewis. After moving back to Creston, B.C. with CSSM for a few years, the family moved back to the states. After their boys had moved on, the couple settled in Bonners Ferry.
“Papa” was a committed husband and father. He loved and revered the Lord and brought his boys to The Word on a regular basis. He was bold and confident in sharing the goodness of the Lord and the need to know him personally in order to be saved. Some of his favorite conversations were about Jesus and the truth of His Word.
After a prolonged illness Marty passed away at home in Hayden at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Linda, four sons and daughters in law, 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Morgan and Linda, Gage (Frieda), Dinah (Jorn), Judah (Belle), Jasius (Kait), Karis (Cole).
Isaac and Jennifer, Hannah (Adam), Rachel, Esther (Ben), Eve, Lydia, Priscilla, Flint, Tirian, Ruth, Gideon.
Aaron and Kerry, Alaina, Roman, Leah
Lewis and Carla.
I’ve known the whole Draxlir family for many years. Marty was one of the finest men I’ve ever met. I remember visiting their home back in 1994 for American Thanksgiving when they still lived in Montana. A group of us along with his sons Morgan & Isaac travelled down from Canada for the long weekend. My love & condolences go out to the entire Draxlir clan. Thank you, Marty, for your service to your country & to our Lord.