Martin Tindall Staggs

Martin Tindall Staggs, passed away on May 22, 2008 at Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Veterans Home in Big Spring. He was born October 24, 1916 in Shamrock, Texas. After graduating from high school, he moved to Lamesa and met the love of his life, Lillian Mitchell. They married in 1943 while he was in the United States Air Force with the 56th Fighter Squadron during World War II. They enjoyed almost 65 years together while living in Winter Haven, Florida and Big Spring. Mr. Staggs worked as an aircraft mechanic and engineer for Lockheed Aircraft, Webb Air Force Base and then retired from the Engineering Department of the VA Hospital in Big Spring in 1979 after 34 years of civil service. He was one of the first students enrolled at Howard College when it opened.He was a master wood craftsman, making numerous hand crafted heirlooms for family, friends and his church, the United Methodist Church, including his home in Big Spring and a summer home in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. At one time, he used his mechanic and wood crafting skills to open the Golf Shack, making golf clubs and repairing golf carts for his friends.He was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, known as "POPS" to his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his sweet spirit, kind heart and quick wit.He his survived by his wife, Lillian "Lil" Staggs of Big Spring; two sons, Tindall Staggs and wife, Margie of Dawson, Georgia and Richard Staggs and wife, Dolores of San Antonio; one daughter, Marcia Abbott and husband, Tom of San Angelo; an ex-daughter-in-law, Sondra Staggs of Lubbock; six grandchildren, Jason Staggs and wife, Nadia of Lubbock, Shelly Gravett and husband, Kevin of Katy, Ricky Staggs of Los Angeles, California, Megan Staggs of Denton and Katie and Kelsey Abbott of San Angelo; four great grandchildren, Ashley, Reagan and Emily Gravett and Sydney Staggs and several nieces, nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by one son, Bruce Staggs; his parents, Fred and Mary Jane Staggs and two brothers, Charles and Vester Moody Staggs.The family suggests memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of Big Spring, P.O. Drawer 1229, Big Spring, TX 79721-1229 or to the Methodist Children's Home, 1111 Herring Ave., Waco, TX 76708 or to your favorite charity.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 24, 2008 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rev. David Robertson, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,