Portland — Dr. Rex Theodore Martin, age 79, died peacefully on April 27, 2012, after a brave battle with Parkinson’s disease. A lifelong resident of Harrison, Dr. Rex served the community for 40 years as a family practitioner and for 30 years as a State Medical Examiner. Rex was born Feb. 24, 1933 in Bridgton to the late Doris Emeline Prescott Martin and Percy Warren Martin. After attending Bridgton High School, Rex joined the United States Marine Corps, where as a noncommissioned officer, he engaged in some of the fiercest combat incidents in the Korean War. Returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Joan Day, on Sept. 4, 1955.

After completing his undergraduate premedical studies at Boston University and the University of Missouri, among other universities, he entered the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 1962. Following his internship at the Portland Osteopathic Hospital, Dr. Rex established an office on Main Street in Harrison and quickly entered into the town’s community life, serving as Public Health Officer and School Physician for the township. A member of the VFW and the Lion’s Club, Rex also served as Chairman of the Harrison Water District.

In addition to his civic and professional affiliations, Rex was an avid outdoorsman. A registered Maine Guide, he loved fishing and hunting in all seasons and all terrain. His love of sport took him through most of the American West, sometimes on horseback, sometimes on foot, but always with a keen appreciation for the beauty and majesty of nature. Rex also enjoyed traditional team sports, rooting for the Red Sox and the Patriots; for many years he coached and mentored young athletes, serving as Babe Ruth District Commissioner. An avid reader and advocate of lifelong learning, Rex is the author of two novels, as yet unpublished.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; his daughter, Heather; his sons, Eric and Paul; his three grandchildren, Shannon, Savannah and William; and three great-grandchildren. Rex’s sister, Daisy; and five brothers, Percy Warren, Dwight, Paul, Wilfred and Richard predeceased him.

A private graveside service was held on May 2nd. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rex’s memory can be made to the VFW, the National Parkinson Disease Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or to your local library. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com