Martin E. Kaplan, 56, of Sheridan died Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, in Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Sheridan VA Medical Center Chapel with Chaplain Ed Diller officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Born Dec. 31, 1952, in Miami to Milton and Margaret (McGee) Kaplan, he grew up and attended schools in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on Nov. 6, 1973, and was honorably discharged March 26, 1975. He married Jessica Ellis on Sept. 23, 2009, in Sheridan. Mr. Kaplan dedicated his life to helping and connecting veterans in Denver, Detroit, and Sheridan. He enjoyed horses, exotic gems, travel, and especially spending time with his wife. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Survivors include his wife; two stepsons, Dylan Rickman and Cyrus Johnson; one stepdaughter, Isobel Snow; and three stepbrothers, Roger, Joel, and Brian Hubbard. Memorial donations to assist with funeral expenses may be sent to his wife at 1385 Parker Ave., Sheridan, WY 82801.