Tony Dawanye Martin, Jr.

Our beloved Tony D. Martin passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020 in Saginaw, Michigan at the age of 19. He was born August 27, 2020 to Tony Martin, Sr. and Kishon Gardenhire.

Tony dedicated his life to building his own legacy. He played sports at an early age, starting with indoor hockey, basketball, soccer, and football. He played freshman football for Arthur Hill before transferring to Saginaw High. He played the last three years of football and found his true passion in track and field.

It was on the track that Tony blossomed and had many accomplishments including: 2x county MVP, 5x state champion, 3x Jr. Olympic qualifier and Saginaw High Hall of Fame member. The record he was most proud of was breaking the 45 year-old Saginaw High School Long Jump record before he broke it again by breaking the State of Michigan record. Tony’s determination and hard work allowed him to become an athlete on the track team for Michigan State Spartans.

Tony had a magnetic personality with a million-dollar smile that could make anyone happy. Even when not speaking, his aura and presence filled the room. He was a trendsetter with his unique sense of fashion and style. Tony was family centered and a very loved father, son, brother, and cousin. He touched many lives in his short time with us and his legend and legacy will live far beyond him.

Awaiting Tony’s arrival in heaven were his grandmother, Debra Blackmon; great-grandmother, Nora Fenn; uncle, Willie Fenn.

He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy one beloved son, Isaiah Martin; parents, Tony Martin, Sr. and Kishon (Gregory) Gardenhire; sisters, Key’Iman McMath, Tonesha Martin, Arieanah Beavers; brother Justin Gardenhire; grandparents, Walter (Diane) Blackmon, Berna Martin, Wallace Sr. (Rose) Bass; nieces, Ariel and A’Mya; uncles, Taki Blackmon Sr., Germeal Burns, Walter Frazier, Roderick Bass, Wallace Bass Jr., Travis Bass; aunts, Trassie Williams, Walesha Bass, Liddia Bass; special cousins, Taki Blackmon Jr. and Danyelle Bradford; special great-aunt, Debbie Fenn; godparents, Marcel Sr. (Alice) Colwye; dodsiblings, Nia and Marcel Colwye Jr; best friends, Cortiyah Moore, Jamontae York, Dequavion Burton, Koby Barnett, Markesse Gary and Chaun Tolbert; many other cousins, relatives and friends including special friends, Tai’Lor and Stephanie and the entire Cureton Family.

The family would like to express special thanks to RDF, Greene Steel, and Maximum Output Track Clubs, Paul Johnson for providing Tony the tools he needed, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel. An incredibly special thank you to Yolonda Johnson and Michigan State University for allowing Tony to live out his dream.

View Funeral Webcast