John Richard Martin of Lake Charles passed away Saturday,
Jan. 26, 2019, at the age of 88 after a lengthy struggle following an automobile accident on March 13, 2017.
John was born on March 31, 1930, to Robert White Martin Sr. and Mamie Pearl Hoffpauir Martin in Jennings, La. He resided in the
Jennings and Lake Arthur areas until the family moved to Ragley in 1942. He graduated from Ragley High School in 1947. Immediately following graduation, John joined the Marine Corps on June 3, 1947, and was honorably discharged on Aug. 1, 1952.
After moving to Ragley, John attended a church service where he met the love of his life, Wanda Jackson. At 13 years of age, he told his brother, Bob, that he was going to marry Wanda some day. On Jan. 18, 1952, they were united in holy
matrimony that lasted until his death 67 years later.
John loved to fish all of his life. He and Maxie Creel spent many days fishing the Calcasieu and West Fork rivers. He taught his three children how to fish, followed by his five
grandchildren, and then several of his great-grandsons.
Vacations were always at the top of the list for the Martin family. John and Wanda have many good memories after traveling to 46 countries, many islands, Amazon Safari, African
Safari, and numerous visits to all of the States. He was a member of the Airstream RV Club of Zavalla, Texas, at Sam Rayburn for 20 years. Many caravans were enjoyed which carried them throughout the U.S. and Canada.
In March 1998, John
retired from Citgo Refinery after working there for 46 years. His last position with the company was shift supervisor.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Robert White Martin Jr. and James Alfred Martin. He is
survived by his wife of 67 years, Wanda Jackson Martin; children John Michael Martin of Humble, Texas, Kathy Ann Butler of Spring, Texas, and Keith Alan Martin of Arlington, Tenn.; grandchildren Julie Butler of Austin, Texas, Kristy Ratley of
Kingwood, Texas, Jill Norton of Bowling Green, Mo, Kevin Martin of El Paso, Texas, and Sarah Martin of Lafayette, La; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at Johnson Funeral home, and will
continue from noon until the start of the service Tuesday at the church. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Livingway Pentecostal Church, where John was a member and an usher. The Reverends Charles Nugent and Chuck
Huddleston will officiate. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Ragley, La.