John Richard Martin

John Richard Martin of Lake Charles passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the age of 88 after a lengthy struggle following an automobile accident on March 13, 2017.

John was born on March 31, 1930 to Robert White Martin, Sr. and Mamie Pearl Hoffpauir Martin in Jennings, LA. He resided in the Jennings and Lake Arthur areas until the family moved to Ragley in 1942. He graduated from Ragley High School in 1947. Immediately following graduation, John joined the Marine Corps on June 3, 1947 and was honorably discharged on August 1, 1952.

After moving to Ragley, John attended a church service where he met the love of his life, Wanda Jackson. At thirteen years of age, he told his brother, Bob, that he was going to marry Wanda some day. On January 18, 1952, they were united in holy matrimony that lasted until his death 67 years later.

John loved to fish all of his life. He and Maxie Creel spent many days fishing the Calcasieu and West Fork rivers. He taught his three children how to fish, followed by his five grandchildren, and then several of his great grandsons.

Vacations were always at the top of the list for the Martin family. John and Wanda have many good memories after traveling to 46 countries, many islands, Amazon Safari, African Safari, and numerous visits to all of the States. He was a member of the Airstream RV Club of Zavalla, TX at Sam Rayburn for 20 years. Many caravans were enjoyed which carried them throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In March 1998, John retired from Citgo Refinery after working there for 46 years. His last position with the company was shift supervisor.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Robert White Martin, Jr. and James Alfred Martin. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Wanda Jackson Martin; children John Michael Martin of Humble, TX, Kathy Ann Butler of Spring, TX, and Keith Alan Martin of Arlington, TN; grandchildren Julie Butler of Austin, TX, Kristy Ratley of Kingwood, TX, Jill Norton of Bowling Green, MO, Kevin Martin of El Paso, TX, and Sarah Martin of Lafayette, LA; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral home on Monday, January 28, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and will continue on Tuesday at the church from 12:00 PM until the start of the service. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Livingway Pentecostal Church where John was a member and an usher. The Reverends Charles Nugent and Chuck Huddleston will officiate. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Ragley, LA.