John Martin, Sr.

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  John Martin Sr., age 88, of Hancock Cove, Utah died at his home on December 18, 2024.

John was born on February 7, 1936 in Ely, Nevada to John Martin and Ramona Nookie and was a member of the Western Shoshone Tribe. He attended Stewart Indian School, southeast of Carson City, Nevada. Upon high school graduation, he enlisted for four years in the United States Marine Corps. Following military service, he moved to Utah and attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where he graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. While attending Utah State University he met and married Lorena Chapoose. Early in their marriage, John and Lorena moved to Nevada where he worked as a carpenter. They had two sons John Junior and Anthony Talking Bird Martin. They later divorced. Afterward, John relocated to the Uintah Basin, setting up residence in Roosevelt to be closer to his children. 

In 1975, he began employment with the Ute Indian Tribe at the Ute Bulletin. He also married Marilyn Higgel. They had one daughter Summer Sky Martin. They later divorced. He remained employed with the Ute Bulletin as a photographer and reporter until he retired at the age of 75. While working at the newspaper he would be seen capturing memories on his camera. John was the creator and author of the “Coyote Says” newspaper column that appeared in the Ute Bulletin, and was known as “Coyote”. John utilized “Coyote Says” as an outlet to bring to light political, tribal, and social issues of the day. More importantly, he used his column to express his thoughts and write letters to his children.

John was a simple man. In his younger years, he loved to play softball and basketball. He always had an interest in photography and journalism. John loved to read, take pictures, horseback ride, ride his bike exploring different places, loved meeting new people, attending community events and activities such as powwows, Sundance and Bear Dance. He also loved to hunt and fish. 

John is survived by his children, Anthony Talking Bird Martin of Pasco, Washington; Summer Sky (Nathan Childs) Martin, Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren Naveah Marie Caballero, Lily Naomi Martin, and Quinn River Martin; the mothers of his children Lorena Writingbird and Marilyn Higgel; and brother, Lawrence Johnson, Elko, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, John Martin Jr. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Fort Duchesne Community Building.

A wake will be held on Thursday evening after 4:00 pm, at the Fort Duchesne Community Building.

Burial will be in the Fort Duchesne Cemetery, South Highway 40, Fort Duchesne, Utah.