Rev. Martin Edward Boone

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV) Martin Edward Boone, age 81 of Fayetteville, North Carolina, son of the late James Burtis and Sallie Ann Boone, was born September 23, 1940 in Milton, NY and slipped away quietly on March 23, 2022 while at home. Early in his life, Martin knew that he had a purpose and it pushed him to join the US Navy in 1958. Following his service on the USS Boston (CAG1) at Boston, Massachusetts and being honorably discharged, he met and married the late Pastor Edna R. Boone. They decided to return to the Hudson Valley and make Newburgh, NY their permanent home. Martin decided in the late 1960’s to make Jesus his choice. Following this decision and under the watchful eyes of Rev. Sigmund Davis, he became a student of the Bible and attended Newburgh Bible Institute from 1970 until 1971 when he became an ordained Minister. Following ordination, Rev. Boone served in the local church, Holy Temple UHCA under the Pastoral leadership of the late Bishop Kenneth O. Robinson for many years. Eventually, he accepted the position of Pastor at St. Marks Holy Tabernacle UHCA in Harlem, NY. While serving and shepherding the congregation, he also served on the Northern District Board of Presbytery of the United Holy Churches of America under Bishop J.T. Bowens. During this time, he also decided to return to the classroom for higher education and graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz where he carried a double major in Sociology and Psychology and minored in Athletic Coaching. Also, he carried an emphasized study in Religions of the World. He did all of this while holding a full-time job in law enforcement. In addition, an avid learner, he was fluent in nine languages which helped him to effectively communicate with the community at large. Martin was a hard worker, businessman, and community liaison. He believed in establishing and maintaining communication for mutual understanding and cooperation. He was firm in what he believed and did not waver. If you called him, you had to be sure that you wanted “change” because his name was very important to him and he was not about to waste his time. He held various positions in city government, owned or co-owned a couple of businesses, and was a contributing force or factor in many of the programs (continuing to this day) in Newburgh (or the surrounding area) such as: A Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program for the Womens Corrections Dept.,Urban Renewal for the City of Newburgh, Director of Rodent Control, part owner of one of the first Barber Shops in the City, Hubbards Barber Shop, and (at one time) owned and operated a Taxicab Stand at the Newburgh Bus Station. After retiring in 1998 from public service in law enforcement for the State of New York following thirty-four years of dedication, he accepted the Chief Marshal’s position for the City of Newburgh from which he retired a second time in 2015. When he was not at work, he was at the St. Marks AME Zion Church in Poughkeepsie, NY where he served as Associate Minister until his health began to decline. Martin, being quite an intellect, loved to talk about the Bible, fishing, motorcycles, the news, politics, gardening, cooking and exchanging stories with his dear Dunkin Donuts crew of friends: Dee Dee, Gerald Walker, Mr. Brunson, and Mr. Cooper when he wasn’t with his fishing buddies. He never passed up the opportunity to exchange stories about fishing, policing, or motorcycling with his partner (Bill Daye while working for the City) or his (leisure) riding buddies. He had great friends! One of his “best” friends and caretaker/helper, Coach George L. Bowles Jr. of Newburgh, NY took the lead when he wanted to remain in Newburgh after his health was beginning to decline. He was certainly in good hands with Coach and Grace Bowles! When others called to check on him, like: Gerald Walker, Rev. Freeman, Mr. Frank Briggs, Phyllis Kilroy, Thomas Wilson, or Larry Jackson, the joy that filled his heart will never be forgotten. Over the years, although his health was failing and his steps got slower, Rev. Boone didn’t want anyone to think that he was frail, weak, or needed sympathy. He spent countless hours reminiscing, talking and laughing about childhood memories with anyone willing to listen and share. He picked up (from my Eldest Brother, now deceased) and ended every conversation by saying, “Ciao, Ciao – I love you more”. He loved to hunt and fish; then clean and eat the fish or meat he caught. More recently, he enjoyed “seafood nights’’ with Dungeon-ness crabs, colossal shrimp, and clams. When our brother (Jasmine) came from Charlotte, NC it was a special treat! Daddy will be greatly missed! He was preceded in death by his sons, Steve Boone, Rufus Tyrone Kee and grandsons, Anthony Tyrone Boone and Michael Elias Harris. Left To Cherish His Memory: Debra Ann Boone Whitsett, NC; Anthony “Jasmine” Boone(Tina) Fort Mill, SC; Arlisa Eggleston (Charles) Fayetteville, NC; Onita Boone Germany; Tina Harris (Esau) Cary, NC; and Donna Stephanie Boone Cedar Creek, NC; 3 Brothers: Elroy Boone Newburgh, NY, Earl ”PeeWee” Boone (Diedre “Dee Dee) Spring Lake, NC and Charlie Boone (May)Clinton, NC; 1 Sister: Everlyn Herring (Skete) Newburgh, NY; 19 Grandchildren: Aisha Newman (Joc); Natasha Boone; Natica Eggleston (Stephanie); Steven Tyler Boone (Kimberly); Eilanie Harris; Adama Grier (Elijah); Tyshera Rivera (Naphtali); Karesa Harris; Amber Peterson; and Orianna Plettondorf; Damien Boone (Kenia); Tavaris Boone (Kasinya “KC”); Xavier Cary; Jasmine Jamel Lynch; Tyrone Braxton Kee (Shauna); Patrice Soliz (Mike); Frederick Sadler, Darryl McNeil, and Andrea Brooks; 21 (+1 on the way) Great-Grandchildren: Marquis, Aurea, Asiana, Tatiana, Anthony (AJ), Camran, Janell, Derek and Dylan; Logan, McKenzie, Chloe, Jeremiah, Juliana and Jaquari, Marlii and Jianni, Camren, Destiny, Steven Tyler“SJ”, and Harlem; 2 Great Great-Grandchild, Ty’Mere and Aniyah; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was one of a kind! A Distinguished Gentleman. Ciao for now!

Rev. Martin Edward Boone

September 23, 1940 - March 23, 2022