Lt. Col. Vaughn Harold Martin, USAF (Ret.)

Lt. Col. Vaughn Harold Martin, USAF (Ret.), 91, of Big Spring, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Vaughn will lie in state on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring. He will also lie in state on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Big Spring. Private interment will follow at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery with full military honors.

Born on March 20, 1934, in Bodcaw, Arkansas, to Harold Pascal and Addie Lou (Waters) Martin, Vaughn was raised with the values that would define his life—faith in God, love of family, and devotion to country. Those guiding principles shaped every chapter of his 91 years. Vaughn proudly served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, including service during the Vietnam War. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he led with steady conviction and quiet strength. To those who served alongside him, he was a respected officer; to his family, he was a steadfast protector and provider; and to his friends, he was a man whose word could always be trusted.

When he and Helen made Big Spring their home in 1959, it was not simply a place to live—it became his lifelong mission field. His faith was not confined to Sundays; it was the foundation of his daily life. At First Baptist Church of Big Spring, Vaughn served faithfully and consistently for decades. Whether in leadership roles, teaching, supporting church ministries, or simply showing up whenever there was a need, he lived out his belief that service to God meant service to others. His was a quiet, unwavering faith—steady, dependable, and deeply rooted.
Vaughn’s commitment to service extended throughout the community he loved. He served on the Board of Directors of Citizens Federal Credit Union for 43 years, offering wisdom, stability, and principled leadership. From the very opening of Hangar 25 Air Museum in May 1999, he served on its board, helping preserve the history of military aviation and honoring those who served. For more than six decades, he was a pillar of the Big Spring community—never seeking recognition, only seeking to do what was right.

Above all else, Vaughn’s greatest pride was his family. He shared 71 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Helen Irene (Hamilton) Martin—a love story built on faith, devotion, and partnership. Together they built a legacy that spans generations.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter, Deborah Churchwell (Dennis); sons, Gary L. Martin (Mina), Vaughn Alan Martin (Lorri), and Scott Martin (Marie); grandchildren, Justin Bristow, Chelsea Pearce (Phillip), Dustin Martin (Chelsea), Maegan Reitan (Jentry), Chance Martin (Theresa), Manda Kistler (Sean), Cameron Martin (Johanna), Britta Martin, Shayla Martin, and Brody Martin; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Fred Martin (Carol); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Derek Vaughn Churchwell; and his brother, Hansel Martin.

Lt. Col. Martin’s life was one of honor, humility, and enduring faith. He led by example, loved without reservation, and served without hesitation. His legacy lives on in the strength of his family, the faith he modeled, and the community he helped build.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com. To celebrate Vaughn’s memory, the family invites you to support the Derek Churchwell Scholarship at:

Howard College Foundation
Re: Derek Churchwell Scholarship
1001 Birdwell Lane
Big Spring, TX 79720

or

the Hangar 25 Air Museum at:
Hangar 25 Air Museum Memorial Fund
Re: In Memory of Vaughn H. Martin
1911 Apron Drive
Big Spring, TX 79720

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Lt. Col. Vaughn Harold Martin, USAF (Ret.), please visit our Tribute Store.