Waukeen Martin; Contract Negotiator

Waukeen B. Martin, a contract negotiator for the U.S. government during World War II, has died at the age of 86.

Martin, who died Thursday, was born Waukeen Brewer on Oct. 6, 1912, in Brookhaven, Miss., and was the oldest of 10 children.

She married Fred Martin on Oct. 1, 1932, in Vicksburg, Miss.

During World War II, Martin negotiated purchase contracts for the government. Martin and her husband moved to California 18 years ago to be nearer their two daughters, who live in Newbury Park.

Wynelle Chase said her mother loved to read and sew.

“Everyone considered her to be a gracious Southern lady and she was loved and respected in return,” Chase said.

Martin, who lived in Thousand Oaks, was a member of the Monte Vista Presbyterian Church in Newbury Park.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

In addition to her daughter Wynelle Chase, Martin is survived by daughter Dorothy Breuer of Newbury Park, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Assisted Home Care in Thousand Oaks.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Monte Vista Presbyterian Church in Newbury Park with the Rev. Steve Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Valley Oaks Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village.