Morris Cooper Martin

Morris Cooper Martin, 91, of Bend, Oregon, passed away on July 29, 2026, at Balmoral Care Center in Lake Forest, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtfulness, curiosity, and music. He was born on September 4, 1934, in Raymond, Washington, to Carl and Ora Martin.

Morris was a 1952 graduate of Raymond High School. He continued his education at the University of Washington, earning a degree in Music (1956). That same year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, served at the Army Chemical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and later performed in the Army Band. 

He married Janis Elaine Kosinski in 1959 and together they welcomed three children. He was the music director at Willamina Middle School for five years. Later, he enrolled at the University of Oregon and earned a Master of Library Science in 1969. Although his master’s degree qualified him for university library work, Morris chose instead to accept a position at an elementary school in Bend so his family would not have to relocate. Later, he established and led the library at La Pine High School until his retirement.

He loved books and often had three or four Bible translations open as he completed his daily study. Yet music remained his greatest passion. J. S. Bach was his favorite composer, and his home was always filled with classical music. An accomplished tuba player, Morris performed for many years with the COCC Community Orchestra, the Cascade Horizon Community Band, and the Cornucopia Brass Quintet.

Morris grew up in the Presbyterian Church in Raymond, Washington, and later was a long-time member of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Bend, Oregon. There, he was an active member of the choir. After moving to Lake Forest, Morris became involved at Christ Church Lake Forest, where he participated in a small group. When life eventually brought him back to the Pacific Northwest, he became an active member of the Baptist Church in Condon, Oregon, enjoying the music, fellowship, and men’s Bible study.

Morris deeply loved his family and treasured every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was always ready with a treat of ice cream and his video camera, eager to preserve life’s special moments. His life was rich with faith, music, learning, and love. We will miss him deeply, cherish the fun and joy he brought to our lives, and find comfort in the hope that we will see him again.

Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Carl R. Martin and Ora C. Martin, and his brothers, Dale, Gordon, and Gerald Martin. He is survived by his children, Ronald M. (Ruth) Martin of Lake Forest, Illinois, the late Allan C. (Michelle) Martin of Bend, Oregon, and Katherine E. Martin of Redmond, Oregon. He was a beloved grandfather to Nathaniel (Eileen) Martin of Plainfield, Illinois, the late Ruslan Martin of Lake Forest, Illinois, Josiah (Alina) Martin of Kimberly, Oregon, Sarah Martin of Goldendale, Washington, Bethany (Michael) Felsher of Portland, Oregon, Theo (Francois) Neveu-Martin of Saint-Carreuc, France, and Charity (Dylan) White of Tallahassee, Florida. He was a cherished great-grandfather to Christian, Shilea, Lincoln, Amelia, Judah, Elliana, and Grace Martin, and Elaine Felsher.

He will be lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews and many other family and friends.

The first memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE 9th St., Bend, Oregon 97701. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 1:00 P.M. at the Fern Hill Cemetery, 100 S. Fork Road, Raymond, Washington 98577 and a second memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 11:00 A.M. at the Condon Baptist Church, 207 S. Church St., Condon, Oregon 97823 with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Morris Cooper Martin to the Condon Baptist Church (PO Box 451, Condon, OR 97823) or the Cascade Horizon Community Band (https://www.cascadehorizoncommunityband.org/donate ).

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