Jerry C. Martin

Jerry C. Martin, 83, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away Monday, September 21, 2015, at his home after a lengthy illness. Jerry was born February 21, 1932, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Joe J. and Althea Lea (McQuery) Martin. He graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree. That same year he began his career with Southwestern Electric Power Company. During his employment with SWEPCO, he was manager in Waldron, Ark. from 1962 until 1970, Atlanta, Texas from 1970 until 1976, Rogers, Ark. from 1976 until 1981, Division manager in Mt. Pleasant, Texas from 1981 until 1986, and Texarkana, Texas from 1986 until retirement in 1994. He attended management courses at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. in 1980 and University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. in 1986. After retirement, Jerry had the opportunity to return to the business that he grew up in. Jerry, also a licensed funeral home director, went to work with Texarkana Funeral Home from 1994 until 2010. Jerry met Janice Phillips of Fayetteville, Ark. and they were married on April 16, 1960. They celebrated 55 years of marriage together. He was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was always there for support at every event in which they were participating. He will be remembered as a very devoted, loving husband and a proud father and grandfather who was happiest when surrounded by his family. Jerry was a big proponent of being involved in each community in which he lived. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Texarkana where he served as chairman of the children's building committee and the personnel committee. He also served as a Board member with Wadley Regional Medical Center and Opportunities, Inc. He was also a Rotarian. Visitation will be held at Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from 6 until 8 p.m. Services will be held Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 10: a.m. at First Baptist Church, Texarkana, with Dr. Jeff Schreve officiating. Interment will be at Coop-Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield, Ark. at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015. Honorary pallbearers include Mr. Howard Carney, Mr. Ken Cole, Mr. Harry Mattison, Mr. Bob McMahon, Mr. Glen Moses, Dr. Dan Nichols, Mr. Jack Rothwell, and Mr. Ray Wilson. Jerry is survived by his wife, Janice, daughters and sons-in-law, Jo and Kenny Bennett of Texarkana, Ark., and Jaci and Mike Merritt of Mt. Pleasant, Texas. He was affectionately known as "G-Dad" to his grandchildren Hayden Merritt, Ali Grace Merritt, Riley Bennett, and Parker Bennett. He is also survived by a sister, Althea Jo Sigler of Port Jefferson, N.Y., a sister-in-law, Shirley Jo Martin of Waldron, Ark., a brother-in-law, Dr Leroy Folks of Stillwater, Okla., and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by daughter, Jan L Martin, his parents, brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Betty Jo Martin of Long Beach, Calif., brother, J.D. Martin of Waldron, Ark., sister, Emily Sue Folks of Stillwater, Okla., and brother-in-law, Dr Paul Sigler of New Haven, Conn The family requests that memorials be made to Opportunities, Inc., 6101 North State Line, Texarkana, Texas, 75503.