Martin, Max Holland

Surname Index
Updated: 20 Mar 2009

Daily Oklahoman, The
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
April 6, 1995, page 17A

Max Holland Martin of Stratford, OK, was born January 14, 1916 in Polk County, Texas to Honor Elizabeth and James Henry Martin. He passed away April 3, 2007 at the age of 91 years, 2 months, and 19 days. He was the 10th of 11 children and the youngest son. On April 3, 1947, he married Nathalie Dykeman, the love of his life, in Ada, Oklahoma. Kayron Maxine was their first child, followed by Zula Faye, Max William and Nathalie Iona. Family was very important to Max. He was a doting son, he loved his brothers and sisters, and he became the favorite uncle of many of his nieces and nephews. His family moved from Texas to Oklahoma, finally settling in the Seminole area. He graduated from Carr City and attended college at East Central in Ada off and on. But in 1941, he joined the Marines and was sent to the island, Guam. He and his fellow soldiers were captured by the Japanese and he spent 44 months in a hell on earth. Upon his release, he returned to East Central, where he met and married Nathalie.

On their 60th wedding anniversary, he left this earth to join his bride. Max spent most of his working life with Warren Petroleum, a subsidiary of (then) Gulf Oil. He was good with his hands and good with numbers and used those talents to help his family and friends. He served many years as the treasurer of the Church of Christ in Maysville, OK, and later as an Elder of the Church of Christ in Stratford, OK. He served as secretary-treasurer of the Maysville AFL-CIO local and in that position, helped numerous people in their employment issues. He served on the School Board at Maysville, OK and on the Selective Service Board of Garvin County. He was a member of the Stratford American Legion Post and a Mason. He loved sports, fish, and dominoes, and he loved to laugh and to tease. Family was important to him, and he and Nathalie loved each other, their children, and their grandchildren deeply. His fellow POWs from Zensuji played a big role in his life, particularly John "Tiny" Lagrone and A.R. "Boogie" Miller and their families. After Nathalie's death in 1995, and the loss of Kayron, and his injuries in their accident in 1996, he more rapidly declined. In 1998, he moved with is mother- and sister-in-law, Zula and Berniece ("Chick") Dykeman to Midwest CIty. He lived several places including Teal Ridge in Edmond and the OKC VA Hospital before moving to the Norman Veterans Center in October 2004.

He is survived by his daughter, Faye and husband Jim Morton of Choctaw; his son, Max W. and wife Candace of Ardmore; his daughter, Iona Martin of Okahoma City; sister, Lucy Hill of Seminole, OK; sisters in-law, Berniece Dykeman of MWC and Eleanor Martin of Axtel, Nebraska; son-in-law, Danny Fogle and wife Joy of OKC; grandchildren, Derrell Fogle and wife Karmen, and progeny - Kim, Kristen, Jacob, and Jarrod of Jones, Maj. Deedra Fogle of Albuquerque, NM, Melanie, Daren, and Derek Martin, and Derek's daughter, Taryn of Ardmore, and Jake Morton and wife Katie of Tulsa who anticipate the arrival of James "MAX" Morton in May. Our thanks to the staff of NVC who were so thoughtful and caring of Max during his last months and days, and the many friends and family who have given us love and support. The family suggest donations to the Stratford Church of Christ or the NVC Parents' Benefit Fund in lieu of flowers. Pallbearers will be Derrell Fogle, Daren Martin, Derek Martin, Jake Morton, Danny Fogle, and Anthony Patton. Honorary bearers are Deedra Fogle, Melanie Martin, Jacob Fogle, and Taryn Martin.

Services will be held Fri., Apr. 6, 2007 at 11 AM at the Church of Christ in Stratford, Okla., officiated by Bill Jones. Burial will be at McGee Cemetery.

Sources: fair use as stated above

Contributed by Marti Graham, July 2007. Information posted for educational purposes for viewers and researchers. The contributor is not related to nor researching any of the above.

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