John Martin

“When Someone You Love Becomes A Memory; The Memory Becomes A Treasure”

Life’s Journey

John Dell Martin

To plant a seed in one’s heart…to root it in love…

To nourish it with time spent together…

Yields a blossom that will flourish forever.

John Dell Martin was born on July 10, 1936, in Hinesville, Georgia to his parents, Milton S. Martin, Sr. and Carrie Baker Martin. He was the seventh child born in the family.  He was raised surrounded by his brothers, Alton, Milton, Vernell, Alfred, Lee, and his sisters, Catherine, Louise, Clara, and Arlie.  As a child, he helped with chores, and worked with his father on the farm. He enjoyed shooting marbles, riding his bike, and sharing a close bond with his siblings.  The family always loved their moms cooking because everything was made from scratch.

John received his early education by graduating from Liberty County High School in 1955.  He furthered his education by completing some college courses.  In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his tour of duty, he was stationed in Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Taiwan, New Mexico, Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Colorado.  He earned numerous awards, citations, and medals for his meritorious service.  He served with honor and distinction was honorably discharged in 1987, at the rank of a Master Sergeant (E7)  He was recently honored for his service to this nation.

On November 11, 1961, John married the former Wilma D. Richard.  They first met when they both lived in Texas.  To this union, Beverly, Terry, and Matina were born.  He was also the proud father of anther son named Rory.  He was a loving and devoted husband and father.  The family remembers traveling with him while he was in the Air Force to the many bases around this country.  He was later blessed with twelve grandchildren, John, Terry, Rene, Lois, Eric, Carl, Shawroe, QuiQui, Rome, Tory, Julia, Miles, and sixteen great grandchildren, who were and additional source of joy and pride in her life.  They lovingly called him “PaPa” and fondly remember his kindness, he providing for his family, having a great sense of humor, and having a jovial personality.

After his discharge from the United States Air Force, John continued to work in many other areas.  He became employed at the airport and on Lowry Air Force Base.

John was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled.  In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, maintaining a beautiful, landscaped yard, traveling to visit with siblings, and singing.  His closest friend, Cecil Bills will miss the comraderies they shared together and fact that he was a true and trusted friend.  To know John was to love him.

John Dell Martin departed this life on August 14, 2022, in Denver, Colorado.  Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his wife, Wilma D. Martin of Denver, CO; 2 sons, Rory D. Martin of Grand Prairie, TX and Terry V. (Denise) Martin of Aurora, CO; 1 daughter, Beverly G. Hollingsworth of Denver, CO; 1 brother, Vernell C. (Beverly) Martin of Rancho Cordova, CA; 3 sisters, Louise Lovett, Clara Roberts, and Ollie Mae Brown all of Hinesville, GA; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives