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BoxCar Willie
1931 - 1999
BoxCar Willie
1931 - 1999
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1931
DIED
1999
BoxCar Willie Obituary
Born on September 1, 1931, in Sterrett, Texas, to Birdie Brown and Edna Jones Martin, BoxCar was also a U.S. Air Force veteran – he retired as a Master Sergeant after serving 22 years.
BoxCar began his music career as a small boy singing with his church choir. He continued performing as Marty Martin, and although he developed a following in America, it was a series of popular European tours – culminating in a performance at the 1979 Wembley International Festival of Country Music in Wembley, England – that made him a star.
By 1980, he finally found success in his own country. A year later, he became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry, was awarded "Most Promising Male Vocalist" by the Country Music Association, and his TV album "King of the Road" earned double-platinum sales. He made regular appearances on television's Hee Haw and Family Feud, and appeared in several movies, including Sweet Dreams, a film about country-music start Patsy Cline, Gordy, and A Place to Grow. Then, in 1986, he purchased the BoxCar Willie Theater in Branson, and began performing to numerous sold-out crowds.
On October 31, 1996, after having felt tired for a couple of months, Box was told by doctors that he was suffering from the most aggressive type of leukemia, mantle zone lymphatic leukemia. He began a spirited battle for his life – even while undergoing chemotherapy, BoxCar performed six nights a week at his theater. His difficult struggle came to an end on April 12 in his Branson home, where he was surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife, Lloene Johnson Martin, of Branson; four children, PaulaKay Lane of Korea, Tammy Martin LaCore of Ridgedale, Missouri, and twins Larry Martin of Hollister, Missouri and Lorrie Martin Brown of Branson; a brother, Rex Birdie Martin of Plano, Texas; three sisters, Doris Shipp of Jacksonville, Texas, Margie Vantreese of Waxahachie, Texas, and Wilma Allison of Duncanville, Texas; and five grandchildren, Jenae Martin, Christian Rock, Amanda LaCore, Travis LaCore, and Tiffany Martin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steve Colley
March 20, 2025
mid 80's two young newlyweds found themselves in Branson. We went to the theatre and enjoyed the show so much..Box kept telling people to pick up after themselves as he had to clean up afterwards. we sat outside the glass door waiting for traffic to calm when , box came and jangled the keys from his pocket to lock the door..He looked through the glass and then came outside and said to me...boy did you ever overmarry...chuckled and we just chatted a minute . be then locked the door and went home....39 years later i have to agree with ol Box...i did overmarry...RIP sir...
Davis Campbell
January 25, 2025
I met BoxCar at the VFW in Altus OK. The band was on break and no one was paying any attention to the Jukebox. The jukebox stopped and this train sounding song started playing. Everyone immediately turned their attention to the stage. A man dressed in Hobo clothes had started playing and singing. He played several songs and brought ‘the house down.’ We got to see Boxcar several times as he was in Altus to attend a school on Altus AFB.
Cliff and Mary ONeal
November 16, 2024
Thanks for your service, Boxcar...Mary and I were privileged to attend one of your performances at your theatre in Branson..Before the show the air conditioner had problems and guess who fixed it?...Boxcar of course... RIP Brother!!
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Ernest graham
August 24, 2024
Went to see boxcar Willie in Branson ,great entertainer may he rest in peace
Phyllis Stone
August 23, 2024
There will never be another Boxcar Willie, a real entertainer and lovely man. I wish I had gotten to see him in person, it would've been a big highlight of my life. REST IN PEACE, Mr. Boxcar Willie. You are loved and missed!
Harvey Borodkin
September 22, 2023
one of the greats. He performed and knew all of the hank williams songs and all of his music was excellent. He had a great voice and could sing just about any country or even pop music.I could listen to him endlessly.
Al Rhodes
March 19, 2022
Hi All, I just found Boxcar Willie while watching the Mavericks on YouTube a couple of weeks ago. His smiling face while singing with that great voice makes you listen repeatedly. So I really enjoy the Hank Williams medley, if I heard him years back, I would had been an instant fan. Rest in Peace Willie
Obie Templin
February 25, 2022
I can remember back when i was 17yo,i was haveing lunch with family members at bugarking.i looked up and in walked Boxcar.i always have lustened to his music.Boxcar your dearly missed.
Michael shutley
February 24, 2022
We are sorry that we lost box and we miss him so much and will.always remember him he was one of our greatest singers I cried like a baby when he died
Leo Lehtonen
December 21, 2021
World lost a good hobo who lived and died well
dean hoes
August 20, 2021
in my younger years teens and twenties loved listening to hum single and talk on grand ole opry
Deborah Wiebe
July 22, 2021
My husband and I ( 52 years ) were just sitting talking with two of our grand kids last night, about when their Dad was a young boy around 8 0r 9 years old. He would sit and listen to tapes of Box Car Willie for hours on end he just couldn't get enough of his music. He would sing along and when that tape was worn out he was so upset. Box Car Willie was such a big part of our lives for many years, after our very log chat we looked up Box Car Willie so the kids could see who this remarkable man was, they never knew their dad to b a lover of country music so after learning about his talent they also learned about what a remarkable person he was. I was amazed to learn myself about the years he spent serving his country in the air force, what an amazing son ,husband father, brother and friend his was to so many. Thanks for the memories ,and we send our sincere condolences to the family he leaves behind to celebrate this very Beautiful Hunan Being . Deborah Wiebe 2021
charles stubblefield
May 29, 2021
as a late teen i started listen to BOXCAR Willie and at the age of 63 im still one of his biggest fans, your music and smile will for ever be in our hearts . RIP MY FRIEND.
Johm R. Gerlach
February 13, 2021
I remembered when I was stationed with Army's Patiroit Missiles as a Spc. 4 . He came to one of our field sites to do a private concert, at our field location. So he could see his Daughter Sgt. Paulakay our NBC expert. I was one of the members of the unit assigned to provide security and be his body guard. It was one of my best memories from Germany. I will always remember him for doing the concert for us.
Travis LaCore
July 31, 2020
Few fond memories of growing up, going up on stage. I have a matching outfit from when I was barely able to walk on stage with him. I remember my grandparents lived across the street from us as kids just south of Branson. Thanks for always watching over us as kids.
James Swann
June 18, 2020
I recently discovered the wonderful contribution of this talented artist to country music and to the world. His humility and genuineness I admire. He and I served at the same time in the Air Force from 1968 until his retirement in 1977, from what I have read about his life. Mine was 1990. I dont know if our paths crossed, but he was my type of person. I confess my grief at learning of his passing. My sincere condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren. His passing at his early age was a loss mourned by the world of country music and the world. He should be inducted into every country music hall of fame that exists. Listen to him everyday now. I am just happy to know him through his songs. God bless the Martin family.
Charles Brown
April 1, 2020
I loved boxcar Willie growing up he was a great singer and song writer his stories about him life in the Air Force and listening to Mel Tellis talk about their friendship, I will remember both of them until I die. God bless the whole Martin family.
Tony Ruscica
October 27, 2019
The best country vocalist ever
Adam Gambling
September 18, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Al Harsma
July 19, 2019
There are no words to match this mans ability or his accomplishments. A legend in time... He walks with God.
Amen
Alfred Keats
January 19, 2019
I have never met boxcar butm from his videos I picture him to be the most likable person anyone could ever meet. He had this beautiful voice which most of us could only dream about. This is a very special gift that anyone could ever have. Even though he's gone his great voice will be heard by way of his recordings. It was so sad to lose this great talented man.
Deloris Smith
July 18, 2018
Always loved listening to Boxcar,but only recently,found out I was a relative.
So sorry about his passing!
Kellee Pope
April 22, 2018
I was researching Larry and Lorrie, as I write a little about my childhood. I recall one pretty amazing day when Boxcar Willie visited our school (Foster Elementary) and bought everyone an ice cream. It probably wasn't very expensive, but I didn't have the money to buy ice cream ever so it meant the world to me. I remember seeing him with his children, my class mates, and thinking how wonderful it must have been to have a famous singer for a father. I saw him perform and loved it. To his family, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss - even it it was so long ago.
Blessings,
Kellee Pope
Jennifer Mixon
March 18, 2018
I would just like to say I grew up listening to his music. I it. I still listen to it. He is greatly missed.
Jo Herrera
December 13, 2017
Boxcar Willie
i was saddened to hear of your passing glad i got to meet you i have all your cassette tapes loved your singing ,,,rest high with the Angels
Nate Everlast
November 10, 2017
I misses hymn sew mulch, butt eye never new he wassnt real hobo, he justed bee a performers. Eye still lit him, tho, bee cause eye use two bee a homo end ride on tranes awl arounds.
Eye lik willies a lots, and misses hymn.
September 6, 2017
R.I.P. Sir.. Your music lives on....
Cathy Davis
June 7, 2017
Boxcar, I am so glad that my family and I got to see you in Febrary of 1999. My daughter and I had our picture taken with you. I will cherish that picture and the video if the show that night forever. My daughter was small and calling out Papa. She wasn't very loud, but you heard her and your response was "she sounds like my little granddaughter. That is on the tape. He smiled at her. A wonderful entertainer and I'm proud to have gotten to meet you. I visit you when I am in Branson. Rest In Peace Boxcar. You are missed dearly.
Terry Mitchell
February 4, 2017
Boxcar you are truly missed
Helen Palocz
November 5, 2016
We were in Branson in 1995 and enjoyed Boxcar's show immensely. We met him after the show and have photos of him with me and my husband. He was our favorite and I have many of his cassettes that I play every day. I know he is up in heaven with my husband who died 6 months ago and who played the fiddle. They surely are enjoying country music together.
TROOPER BIAS
March 29, 2016
WAS A POLICE OFFICER ON THE STATE OF MO PATROL AND LOVED THE PEOPLE THERE. BOXCAR WILLIE WAS MORE THAN A SINGER HE WAS LARGER THAN LIFE AND MUCH MUCH MORE TALENTED THAN GIVEN CREDIT. HE WAS A VERY GOOD SINGER AND GREAT ENTERTAINER. HE IN OUR OPINION FACED DEATH LIKE HE DID LIFE,WITH RESPECT,BEING HUMBLE AND WITH GRACE.
obie templin
March 7, 2016
Boxcar you are dearly missed.i remember when i was 16yo i met you in a bugarking in athens tx.i will never forget that ever.thank you for all your great music.Rip my friend
Annabelle Swackhamer
May 6, 2015
Love your music and songs Boxcar. My Dad listened to you all the time and the first one of your songs that I remember is " Walbash cannonball " and the way you made that train whistle sound. Was just listening to on of your CDs and decided to look you up. Rest in peace Boxcar,I know heaven is a happier place with you there.
Beth Cummins
February 7, 2015
Boxcar you made the world a better place. My family and I am thankful for the book you wrote about your life. You were so talented..Love, Ventriloquist Beth Sutton Cummins and family..Francesville, Indiana
Gerrit Rösken
January 10, 2015
Marty you are still in my heart. R.I.P my friend.
Connie Berry
November 30, 2014
You are loved and missed by so many your beautiful voice there is no other who had what you had such a gift from God your talent.I never met you before but I know I will when we meet in heaven.
Connie Berry
November 30, 2014
Boxcar you are my favorite country music singer of all times. You are the BEST I've ever heard GOD blessed you with the voice of an angel. You sing me to sleep every night. Your smile and dimples lit up a room and the pleasure you gave to so many people with your beautiful voice. Now you sing with the rest of the legends in heaven. I sing and play only your songs. We love and miss you. Connie Berry
bob dean
November 21, 2014
Willie, you were and still are the best.
DJ and his fiddle
DJ Fitzgerald
July 28, 2014
I am a 9 year old fiddler. My mom had me when she was older when she was 33. She told me how she was raised by her grandparents and would listen to Boxcar Willie and Roy Clark and Patsy Cline and all them people growing up. I like trains alot and found Boxcar Willie songs on the internet. I love his singing and tried playing my music with him. I was very sad to find out he had passed away. I go to Branson all of the time. Maybe someday real soon I can play Wabash Cannonball up there with somebody who knew Mr. Boxcar Willie. Thank you for being a veteran, too. Rest in peace.
Brian Zebro
July 22, 2014
First time I heard Boxcar Willie was when my grandpa bought one of his records in the 80's. Before the internet, youtube etc, I wish I had got a chance to see him sing in person. So I'll keep the music going and play your songs often and pass them on to my kids to listen to. You sir was a great man taken before your time.
February 28, 2013
I saw Boxcar's show and photographed Boxcar at the Marlboro Int'l Festival of Country Music in Wembley, England in 1980. He had his own show, and he came on stage during Roy Acuff's show and performed with Acuff, Brother Oswald and Charlie and the rest of Acuff's troupe. I Also saw Boxcar's show at the 1983 Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival in Meridian, Mississippi. I photographed Boxcar at the Jimmie Rodger's grave site where Boxcar handed out and autographed the picture sleeves of gold vinyl 45 rpm records pressed and printed especially for the 50th Anniversary of J.R.'s death. Boxcar Willie, one of the slickest musical creations of the 20th Century (right up there with The Monkees) logged in a lot of miles, performed a lot of gigs, and was a good entertainer. RIP in Hillbilly Heaven, Boxcar. Ted Fiskevold
August 12, 2011
Marty and I where good friends. I still remember, while he performed in my own show at Rotterdam, we where taking pictures in our backyard. I'll never forget this special friend.
GERT Rösken, Zd.Holland, Netherlands
LESTER Mcneil
August 23, 2010
my name is LESTER MCNEIL,and i would like to say,while i didnt know you boxcar,i knew your daugther paulakay,she was a very special woman,and if she was any thing like you,then yuo had to have been a special man yourself
Leisa Martin
February 22, 2009
I Miss you Dad, we didnt have enough time. I cant believe it has almost been 10 years, Love Leisa
Tammy LaCore
May 1, 2008
I miss you each and every day!
Ron Jones
March 24, 2008
After watching videos of Boxcar Willie on YouTube Ive become his #l fan, Great music & band. Thanks to all who have contributed videos of this great artist. I only regret I could not have seen him in person.
Ron Jones
Paulakay Lane
October 3, 2007
You'll always be just "Dad" to me. I love you Paulakay
Pamela Edahl
February 10, 2001
The angels are very happy now because Mr. Boxcar is up with them singing.
James Jr. Watson
December 23, 2000
Mr. Box was my very favorite singer.
I got to see him 8 times in Branson,
and loved it each time.
He was the greatest entertainer ever.
God Bless You.
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708 State Highway 248, Branson, MO 65616
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