Dewayne Derrick Martin was born on May 28, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Earnest Martin Jr, and the late Beatrice Hardy. He was the 5th child of nine children. His sisters, Belinda Martina, and Patricia Caldwell, proceeded him in death. Dewayne received his education in Michigan from Ecorse Public School systems, graduating from Ecorse High School in June 1976. He began his journey in construction trades with his father. He worked for twenty years as an entrepreneur in masonry. Dewayne had a zest for entertaining and cooking. He loved hosting his family and friends.
He leaves to cherish his memory, Ms. Lynne Cooper, his partner of 25 years. Her two daughters, Christina and Chrisstana Cooper. His three children Dewayne Derrick Martin Jr., Ernest Norman Martin, and Crystal Yolanda Martin Davis, seven grandchildren, and his dog Blackie. His six siblings Emmanuel (Chung Hui), Charlene (Raymond), Ricky (Lorraine), Pamela (Merritt), Deanne (Jesse), Tina (Jeffery), and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.