Martin James McNamara was born July 20, 1945, in Chicago Illinois

to James & Martha McNamara.

Marty grew up in Streator Illinois. He is survived by his siblings Charles William, Mary Sharon, Michael Kevin (Linda), Timothy Patrick (LeighAnn), Kelly Maureen, David John (Jodi), 17 nieces and nephews, and 20 great nieces and nephews.  

In the summer of 1960 James & Martha moved the family to Southern California and settled in Anaheim.

Marty graduated Magnolia HS in 1963 and was accepted to Cal State Fullerton & was a member of PHI KAPPA TAU Fraternity.  He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in January of 1968.

Marty was accepted into AF Officer Training School soon after graduation where he was challenged mentally & physically while acquiring the skills & confidence needed to lead men & women of the US Air Force. He graduated as a navigator & was assigned to a KC-135/A aircraft tanker refueler at Wurtsmith AFB Michigan. 

In 1971 Marty was deployed to South Vietnam & flew over 100 operational Reconnaissance missions over South Vietnam, Laos, & Cambodia.  Also, while deployed he flew air refueling missions in Southeast Asia. Marty continued his career in the Air Force as an instructor evaluation Navigator for the 904 refueling squadron Mather AFB CA. Following the Vietnam War Marty transitioned to the Air Force Reserves as a navigator instructor evaluator at Match AFB Riverside CA. Planning, coordinating, briefing & flying missions for operation Desert Shield/Storm.

In 1992 Marty was assigned to Hickam AFB Hawaii as Chief Navigator & logistics commander. He continued his service at Hickam AFB joining the 15th Operations Group Managing operations at Hickam, Bellows AF Squadron & Wake Island Air Field. Marty also served in Operation Northern Watch enforcing a no-fly zone over Iraq in 1999.

Marty officially retired in 2000 & returned home to Orange CA. 

Marty had an incredible work ethic and loved his family immensely. 

His love for his country was evident as he dedicated his life to defending his country with deployments & live action in the Vietnam & Gulf Wars with a rank of Lt Coronel. Decorated with a significant number of metals & accommodations including 6 Bronze Stars which recognizes heroic achievement.