Billy Martin

John William (Billy) MartinOctober 1, 1933 – September 3, 2010Billy Martin, 76, of Midland, passed away Friday, September 3, 2010 at his residence.Billy Martin was born October 1, 1933, in Wister, Oklahoma, to parents Surena Seaborn and Marvin Martin. He attended grade school at Victor and later in Fanshawe, Oklahoma, where he graduated in 1952. He entered the Army in 1954, and, on January 19, 1955, he married the love of his life, Alice Jean Kitchens. Following their honeymoon, Billy was stationed to Berlin, Germany, for a year.Billy served in the Army from 1954 until he retired as a Sergeant First Class in 1975. While in the Army, Billy and his family were stationed in Fort Crowder, Missouri; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Karlshrue, Germany and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.Billy worked as a military police sergeant, and, in 1972, he completed the Special Forces Operations and Intelligence Course and became a Green Beret. Billy was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam, while assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was wounded during combat operations on November 11, 1969.In June of 1973, Billy moved his family to Midland, where he taught military science at University of Texas Permian Basin. Billy began working at the U.S. Post Office on December 16, 1974, and he retired from the military on January 1, 1975. The family moved to Howe, Oklahoma, and eventually built their dream home on Billy's homestead in Victor, Oklahoma. Billy raised the first herd of registered Limousine Cattle in LeFlore County, and he did custom hay bailing. He was an active member and President of the LeFlore County Cattleman's Association. He retired from the U.S. Post Office on May 1, 1989.In 1995, Billy and Alice moved back to Midland, and he was a member of Fairmont Park Church of Christ.Billy always wore his favorite M.L. Leddy custom boots, his cowboy hat and gold belt buckle and had a smile on his face. He loved his dog Molly, and he never met a stranger. He loved ice cream, farming and ranching and riding his tractor. He was proud of his grandkids, his service in the Army and, most of all, he was proud to be an American. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice; three children Brenda Jurgens of Victor, Montana, Gary Martin (Beverly) of Marble Falls and Greg A. Martin of Midland; nine grandchildren, Meagan Martin, Mercedes Mayer, Kari-Ann Martin, Cole Stout, Trent Stout, Haley Martin, William Grant Martin, William Blaine Martin and Reagan Martin; and three great-grandchildren Jackson Stout, Breleigh Mayer and Annslee Stout, and his sister, Mary Caughern.Billy was preceded in death by his grandson John Hayden Martin.In lieu of flowers Billy requested donations to be made to Fairmont Park Church of Christ 3813 N. Midland Dr. Midland TX, 79707 (Step by Step Children's Ministry).Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,