On May 25, 2024, Dakota Samuel Martin, 19, of Lake Charles, La., passed away suddenly in a motorcycle accident in Texas.  “Malibu” as he was known by his friends for his light ocean blue eyes, was loved by many and a blessing to his friends and family.

As a gifted child, he loved science and anything dealing with mechanics.  He was an adventurous, fearless spirit even as a child.  He loved skateboarding, hockey, and boxing.  There was not a sport Dakota wasn’t willing to participate in.  At the age of 10, Dakota bungee jumped off a bridge, at 11, he obtained his scuba diving certification.  As a teen, he was Red Cross and LifeGuard Certified, and Dakota’s love for motorcycles was sparked with the purchase of his first dirt bike.

As a member of the Boy Scouts of America since the age of nine, Dakota made many life-long friends.  His troop leaders and parents helped to instill the importance of being a good servant to others with dedication to completing community service projects, such as, cleaning local parks, building benches for his local high school, and helping local wounded veterans on a hunting weekend.  The service projects and adventures camping, fishing, and paddle boarding are just a few of his favorite memories he wrote about as he served as the troop historian.  Dakota’s highest achievement, Eagle Scout, was earned in October 2022.

Dakota’s favorite bible verse Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” is of no surprise to all who knew and loved him.  He was fearless and courageous, loved to help others, and loved with all his heart.

He joins his dad, David Samuel Wilson Jr.; his grandparents, David and Genie Wilson, Rose Kathleen Cubbage, Robert Earl and Viola Riggs in Heaven.

He will always be remembered with much love by his parents, Mitch and Peggy Martin and Shanda Korn; son, Southern Daniel Fasske; daughter, London Skye Keith; God-Parents, Kyle Grafe, Brooklyn Ardoin; siblings, Paige Korn, Alexis Korn, Katlyn Touchet, Davin Korn, Tatum Comeaux, Aydon Schexneider, Raegon Schexneider, Zachariah Schexneider; aunts, Lannie Ardoin, Geronna Leonards and spouse; nieces and nephews, Ariahna, Gabriella, Elliahna, Kohen, Josephine, Blaise and Braylon Korn; cousins, Rachel Savant and spouse, Jessica Savant, Allison Savant, Kodie Mae Savant, Nathaniel Savant, Barrett Savant, Joshua Leonards and spouse, Luke Leonards and spouse, Rachel Occhipinti and spouse, and many many more.    

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La. Pastor George Lee Glass will officiate the service.  Burial will follow at Hennigan Cemetery in Merryville, La.