Martin Glen “Marty” Williams of Hermiston passed away in Pendleton on Feb. 8, 2026 at the age of 59.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1966 in Ontario to Martin and Barbara Offill Williams.
Marty moved with his family to Hermiston in 1970 and had lived in the area since that time. He attended schools in Hermiston and graduated from Hermiston High School in the class of 1987. He far exceeded expectations put on him by doctors and specialists, using Down Syndrome as his superpower.
Marty’s first job was delivering the East Oregonian on a paper route he took over from his siblings. He knew all of his clients’ names and continued delivering the paper for the next 12 years. He then went to work at Ace Hardware in Hermiston, where he worked and enjoyed being the “Ace Warrior” for over 20 years. He became a part of the family at Ace, as well, and by many community members who shopped there. He had a retirement celebration commemorating his years of service at the store on May 15, 2025, including a special video chat with the president and CEO of Ace, John Venhuizen.
Marty was a member of the Umatilla Assembly of God Church. He was a prayer warrior, enjoyed reading his Bible, and had a strong faith and personal relationship with Jesus. Being a big Ducks fan, he loved watching the games with his dad. He also enjoyed going to parades and being on parade floats. He was able to travel, enjoying “The Big Red Boat” cruise, trips to Arizona, California and especially Nashville, Tenn., as well as going to Gaither Homecoming concerts and music festivals. Marty didn’t know a stranger and welcomed everyone he encountered. He will be remembered with a smile and greatly missed.
He is survived by his parents, Martin and Barbara Williams; sister, Debbie (Mark) Keimig; brother, Mark (Heidi) Williams; four nieces, Ashlie (Anders)
Sorestad, Emilie (Kyle) Cardinal, Hilary Langley, and Scullie Langley-Williams; two nephews, Zachary (Courtney) Keimig and Janick Langley-Williams; as well as great nieces and nephews and extended family members. He loved being an uncle and took that honor seriously.
Services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
An extra special thank you to Shannon and all who were part of Marty’s full and wonderful life.
Family suggests memorial donations in Marty’s name be sent to Umatilla Assembly of God Church.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
