Guy ‘Red’ Martin Jr.

Guy “Red” Martin Jr., of Oletha, passed away Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco at the age of 92.

Red was born at Altus, Okla., on May 17, 1927, to Guy Martin Sr. and Dovie Marie (Sims) Martin. He was born in Oklahoma after his parents had travelled there in a wagon to pick cotton. Back home afterward, Red grew up in the Oletha community where he attended school. He remembered also a period of time when he walked three miles to a big white school building located across from where the Oren Powell home was located, and this school was called Mount Joy.

Red served both in the Navy and Army collectively from Aug. 9, 1945, to Oct. 1, 1956. His ship was decommissioned as the war ended and he returned home. After being home awhile and getting married, Red was again drafted, this time into the U.S. Army, during the Korean War. This was hard for his family, especially his mother, as his older brother, James Robert Martin, had gone missing in battle in Korea (and no trace was ever found.) After a new training period for the Army, Red served 13 months in Korea, first as a barber to the troops on the line. As peace was being talked, his unit withdrew past the 38th Parallel where no fighting was taking place, although he was a sergeant in charge of the 105 Houser guns. He spent some time in Japan (sending his wife some Japanese dishes and a tea set she used for the rest of their lives on special occasions.) Martha also treasured and still has his letters to her while he was away.

Red was united in marriage with Martha Nettles on April 23, 1951. They lived in Groesbeck, then in the Old Union and Oletha community, where they raised their family of three children: Jayne, Wayne and Layne. Red was a farmer/rancher for himself as well as a roustabout working for several ranchers, including Cecil Barnett at Oletha and ranches at Hilltop Lakes and Old Boling.

As a young man he participated in Jack Boswell’s local rodeos, riding bulls and broncs and roping calves, and winning a few buckles. As his sons grew up, he supported them in their interests in rodeos, and showing heifers for school projects.

In addition to being a cattleman all his life, he was the owner of several businesses, including fertilizer, liquid feed, plumbing, and septic tanks, along with his son Wayne.

Red always supported his community and served on several boards, such as the FHA Loan Board, Oletha Community Center, and the Board of Directors for the Old Union, McKenzie and Ferguson Cemeteries. He helped build the first Oletha Community Center, and assisted in the construction of the Old Union Community Church of Christ building.

In 1974, Red, along with this wife and children, received the distinguished honor of being the FHA Farmer of the Year. While not working outdoors, Red was skilled in the kitchen being a good cook. His pecan pie won in Thornton’s pie contest one year, and his banana pudding was so loved by the family that he was requested to furnish it at his grandson Michael Martin’s wedding reception in December 2013. Red was the faithful and loving helpmate to Martha as her health required daily assistance.

Red was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Martin, in March 2019; parents, Guy and Dovie Martin; a baby brother, Eugene Martin; brother, James Robert Martin, a hero of the Korean War; and brothers, Billie Martin and Glen Martin; sisters, Alberta Martin Frye and Hazel Middlebrook. Also, his motherin-law and father-in-law, Leslie and Ray Nettles; brothers-inlaw, Joe Lincecum and Perry Nettles; nephew, Scott Nettles and youngest son, Layne Martin.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jayne and David Bostick of Groesbeck; son, Wayne Martin and Rose of Thornton; five grandchildren, Carla Dominguez and husband Mario of Kosse, Michael Martin and wife Emily of Bryan, Christen Costin and husband Daniel of Castle Rock, Colo., Kendall Martin of Thornton, and Cheyenne and husband Matt Lee of Thornton. Also surviving are four freat grandchildren, Tyler Hodgeson, Braxton Dominguez, Mia Dominguez, Calli Costin and Bragan Lee, first cousin Jodie Faye and Glenn Winn and his wife’s brothersin-law and sisters and extended families.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Groesbeck Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Richard Williams and Brother Clif Fox, ministers of the Groesbeck Church of Christ, officiating. His grandson, Michael Martin, will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow at the Old Union Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers will be James Scott, Kenneth Martin, Charlie Martin, Jared Nettles, Michael Martin and Doug Yarbrough.

Honorary pallbearers are Ricky Baldwin, James Baldwin, Kyle Thompson, Bubba Louie, Kelly Thompson, Mack Jones, Randy Ingram, Greg Gonzales, Ken Neyland, Chester Reeves, Willie Wedgeman, Cammie Henderson Mike Coker, Keith Sherrod, John Murphey and Chip Henderson.

Red, a strong and hardworking man in his time, and a friend and neighbor to many, with a friendly voice and pleasant smile to all, will be missed by many, as he was a valuable member of his family, his community, and his church.