Martin Carroll Flax

This service has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Sumter, SC………….Martin C. Flax, devoted husband, father, grandfather and proud American patriot, passed away on January 22, 2026, at Lexington Hospice House. He was born on February 13, 1929, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Isaac and Rena (Hoffman) Flax. He lived a life defined by service, love and quiet strength, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by generations.

Martin honorably serviced his country in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years, and retired in the rank of Major in 1972. He was awarded many awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, two A.F. Commendation Medals, and the Korean and Vietnam Service Medals. He was a member of The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Military Officers Association of America.

Following his retirement from the USAF, Martin began a second career with Exide Battery Company in Sumter. He dedicated 17 years as an Industrial Engineer with Exide before retiring once more.

While stationed in Japan, Martin met the love of his life. He married Toyomi Shoji on January 27, 1953, at Yokota AFB, beginning a beautiful partnership that lasted 66 years. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, mutual respect, and shared devotion to family, weathering the challenges of military life with grace and resilience.

Martin was a devoted father to his children: Ronald D. Flax of Sumter, Dennis I. Flax of Columbia, and Diana Flax Hodge, formerly of Gaston. He took great pride in his role as a grandfather to Shawna L. Amick (Allen), Wesley H. Hodge (Melanie), and Daniel M. Hodge, and later as a great-grandfather to Ashleigh Amick and Braeden Amick. His family was the center of his world, and he found his greatest joy in their successes, milestones and everyday moments together. He is also survived by a sister, Davida Seatter (The Villages, Fl), and sister-in-law, Patricia McDanald-Flax (St. Augustine, Fl), and numerous cousins in and around Baltimore, Maryland.

He was preceded in death by his wife Toyomi, a daughter Diana Flax Hodge, and a brother Herbert Flax.

Known for his steady presence, strong values, and kind heart, Martin led by example. He believed deeply in responsibility, loyalty, and love of country, and lessons he passed down through his actions more than words. Those who knew him will remember his quiet wisdom, his sense of duty, and the deep love he held for his family.

Martin C. Flax will be remembered with gratitude for his service, admiration for his integrity, and love for the life he built and shared. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the values he instilled, forever honored and never forgotten.

The family wishes to thank special friend Salvatore “Sal” DiCola for all his support and help with Martin during his final weeks in hospice care.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Wes Conner officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00pm, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends following the service on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Bullock Funeral Home.  

Martin requested that in lieu of flowers or remembrances, donations be made in his memory to The Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

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