Former post commander laid to rest

By Courtesy Springfield News-LeaderNovember 27, 2013

21-gun salute
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. -- Retired Maj. Gen. Fred Marty, of Springfield, Mo., a former commanding general here received full military honors during a funeral Nov. 25 at at 10 a.m. at the New Post Chapel and later an interment at the Fort Sill Post Cemetery.

Marty died at home Nov. 20 after a long illness.

He was born Jan. 12, 1942, in St. Louis. He attended Missouri State University, in Springfield, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education and served in the Army ROTC detachment.

Marty was designated a distinguished military graduate and entered Army active duty in June 1963, after being commissioned a second lieutenant in field artillery. His military schooling included the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced courses, the Command and General Staff College, and the Air War College. In 1974, he earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Alabama.

The general served extensively in command and troop leadership assignments in combined arms units throughout the world. During two tours of duty in Vietnam and four tours in Germany, he soldiered predominantly with field artillery units supporting cavalry and armored forces.

Marty commanded FA units at every echelon from battery through corps artillery, and directed operations at the Field Artillery School.

Additionally, he was assigned in key operations, logistics and resource management staff positions from battalion through corps level, including service as chief of staff, Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Marty commanded major military units and installations in the United States and overseas.

Before his retirement from active duty following 30 years of distinguished service, Marty was assigned as the commanding general of Fort Sill, which under his leadership was named "The Best-Managed Installation in the Army" in 1992.

At the same time, he was the commandant of the Field Artillery School and chief of FA.

Awards, decorations

The general was a recipient of the Army's highest peacetime award, the Distinguished Service Medal. During his career he also earned three awards of the Legion of Merit, six awards of the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service medals, three awards of the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, three awards of the Army Commendation Medal, including one for Valor, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Other awards of note include earning the Army Parachutist Badge and Non-Crewmember Flight Badge.

Post-Army service

In July 1993, he commenced a second career in public service as vice president for administrative services at Missouri State University.

Five years later, the university's board of governors selected him as chancellor of the West Plains Campus. Marty relocated to Springfield. Then, in 2000, Marty served as executive director and presided over the opening of the new American National Fish and Wildlife Museum.

Returning to MSU two years later, Marty as associate vice president for administrative services.

In 1989, he was chosen as an Outstanding Alumnus of MSU.

Upon his retirement from MSU in March 2006, Marty was employed as executive director for the Generations Sports Complex, an 80-acre sports and family recreation enclave then under development and construction near Williamsport, Pa.

In January 2007, he was chosen by the board of commissioners for the County of Lycoming to become the director of administration and chief clerk for the county government.

In October 2010, Marty returned to Springfield, where he served as deputy city manager until his retirement in late October this year.

The general's connection to MSUculminated just this year in October, when he was inducted into the university's Wall of Fame.

A general's legacy

Marty is survived by his wife, Marty Marty; and two sons Patrick and Trisha Marty of Williamsport, Pa., and Michael and Emily Marty of Darien, Conn., both of whom also served as Army field artillery officers.

Also surviving is his brother, retired Col. Thomas Marty of Woodbridge, Va.; along with five grandchildren: Devin, Morgan, Teagan, Kyla and Ryan.

A memorial service was held Nov. 22, at 4 p.m. at the Mercy Hammons Heart Institute, 1235 E. Cherokee on the Mercy Hospital campus in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the Marty family respectfully requests people submit contributions directly to the Missouri State University Foundation. The foundation's address is ROTC Building Fund, 300 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806.

Proceeds from the fund are used to ensure the continued development of the country's future leaders. Online condolences may be left at gormanscharpf.com.