Paul Martin

Paul Wilton Martin Paul Wilton Martin, resident of Ponca City, passed Friday, July 3, 2009 at the Ponca Medical Center. He was 88. Paul was born May 13, 1921 at Elk City, Oklahoma, the son of Lewis Martin and Mary Deweese Martin. He received his early education in the Elk City and Canute Schools.He was married to Altha Burnham on August 10, 1940 in Nash, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Blackwell and Ponca City most of their married life. Paul worked for the MD Motor Freight and was terminal manager for Lee Way Motor Freight. He also worked for NCI Construction Company of Ponca City and retired from the Pepsi-Cola Company. Paul proudly served his country during World War II from December 1944 to June 1946 with the Headquarters, 7th Army Air Forces. He was an airplane and engine mechanic, serving a tour of duty in the Philippines. He was the recipient of the APT Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army Air Force on June 18, 1946. Paul attended St. Lukes Nazarene Church and was a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the American Legion, and lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Paul enjoyed visiting various friends at the nursing homes, playing the piano and brightening their day. Other enjoyments throughout his years were water skiing, water sports, gardening, camping, and traveling in their motor home. He most enjoyed the times together with family and friends, making music and sharing good times. Paul also had a special love for his 9 year old poodle KoKi. He is survived by his wife, Altha, of the home; one daughter, Sharon Ingmire and husband, Curtis, of Pensacola, Florida; one son, John P. Martin and wife, Jo, of Disney, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, John Ingmire, Mike Ingmire, Marty Ingmire and Kris Reeser; five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; two special friends in Marie Trenary and Sharon Ridgway. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Louise Schones and two brothers, Bud and Bob Martin. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at Grace Memorial Chapel with family member Gene Burnham presiding. Interment will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Ponca City. Casket bearers will be Hershal Strait, Pat Burnham, Max Havenhill, Franky McDaniel, Mike Burnham and Alan Popken. Honorary casket bearers will be Millard Wingingham, J.G. Elrod, Hal Wimsett, Leslie Gee and Wayne Bryant. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cancer Research, 825 Northeast Thirteenth Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 or to the American Heart Association, 10060 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, Texas 77054.