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Donald Martin Obituary
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Donnie was born on October 21,1937 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62+ years, Nancy Lee Martin; his parents Burt & Bessie Martin, his brother Ronald (Ronnie) Martin, and his sister Janet Martin Longnion.
Donnie is survived by his son, Kirk Allan Martin and wife Anita Leonhardt Martin; his daughter Donna Lee Martin Griffin and husband Richard H. Griffin; 2 beautiful granddaughters, Katie Joyce Martin (Philip Martin) and Lauren Lee Martin; his precious great granddaughter Olivia James Martin; 2 grandsons, J Tyler Griffin (Sydney) and Jordan A Griffin (Katie) and their children, Hudson, Camden, Taylor, and Isla; sister-in-law Gayle Young, 5 nieces and 3 nephews; and his loyal schnauzer/companion, Little Man.
Don is also survived by his girlfriend Judy Powell, daughter Amy Kastner (Chris) and his bonus granddaughter Hannah Kastner.
Donnie grew up in Port Arthur, Texas. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School (in Port Arthur) where he met his sweetheart Nancy Lee Broussard who became his wife at the age of 19. According to his life-long friend Danny Williams, "Donnie Martin was one heck of a baseball player." Don not only played high school ball, he played minor league baseball as well. Years later Don coached little league baseball for Kirk and his teammates.
Don loved his family above all else, but he also loved his country. He served in the United States Army from 1956-1964 (Active Duty/Army Reserve), and was headquartered at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.
Don had a very successful career with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He retired from Goodyear in 1995. From there he and Nancy enjoyed their retirement years vacationing for weeks at a time at Surfside and Myrtle beaches. They also enjoyed dancing/shagging to beach music with their shag buddies on Saturday nights in Charlotte, NC. Donnie loved Mexican food, the beach, camping, schnauzers, and buying cars.
Don's humor and knack for making anyone and everyone laugh will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. He was often referred to as a "comedian", a "cutup", a jokester" and just an overall "nut"!
Kirk & Donna are forever grateful for the consistent, unwavering love, care, protection, discipline, guidance, and support their daddy provided right up until his last breath.
A service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday August 10, 2024 at Tribute & Tallent Funerals & Cremations, 1937 N. Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte NC 28205 (704-567-1500). Visitation will be directly before the service from 2:00-3:00.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all of the staff at The Little Flower Assisted Living for the kindness, patience, love, and care they provided for their "Mr. Don". May the Lord bless each & every one of you.
Tribute & Tallent Funeral and Cremations
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Larry Walker
August 10, 2024
Don Martin was a fine Southern gentleman of the highest order. My wife Janice and I came to know Don and his wife Nancy years ago, through our common love for shag dancing. We saw them often at our favorite nightspot, Lynns Dance Club here in Charlotte. They would come with several friends of theirs, one couple from Gaston County and another from South Carolina. There were plenty of hugs, laughter and conversation. We learned that Don had grown up in Texas, had spent several years as a medic in the Army in the late 50's and early 60's, and they had begun dancing many years back. With his quick wit and always infectious smile, he was the kind of guy you wanted to become friends with. We shared similar opinions about many things. When Nancy passed some years ago from cancer, after they'd been married over 60 years, he was devastated. He and I had lunch a few times after her passing, and we became closer. One thing he always reminded me of when we parted company, "Always tell your wife you love her, you never know how long you'll have her, and tell the rest of your family and friends the same thing, every chance you get." He was that kind of guy, caring and loving for everyone. Some year and half or so after Nancy passed, Janice and I introduced him to our friend Judy Powell, another shag dance buddy whose husband Gene had also passed away. Soon after their introduction, Don and Judy became steady companions, enjoying each others' company and sharing their families. We will miss Don tremendously as a shining light of laughter, love for others, and life. Our deepest sympathy to his entire family and circle of friends. He will be sorely missed by us all.
Warmest regards,
Larry Walker
Charlotte
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Jodi Fowler
August 9, 2024
Dear Martin Family,
I am writing to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of your father, Don Martin. Although his time with us at The Little Flower was brief, he made a lasting impression on our staff.
Don had a special way of brightening our days with his humor and kindness. His quick wit and genuine warmth brought smiles to our faces, and we will all miss the light he brought to our community. He truly touched the hearts of many here, and his memory will remain with us.
Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. If there is anything we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Jodi Fowler
The Little Flower Assisted Living
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