Joe David Martin

Joe David Martin, 86, of Pampa, Texas, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the morning of May 23, 2021. Most all of his life on earth, Joe has been singing about the “beautiful place called heaven.” He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the Briarwood Church in Pampa with his 2 sons, Ricky and Gary, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Joe David Martin was born in Pampa, Texas, at Worley Hospital to Alvin and Naomi Martin. He grew up in Lefors, Texas, graduating from Lefors High School, where he excelled in all athletics, especially football. After high school, he was recruited to play football at Hardin-Simmons for Slingin’ Sammy Baugh. But as fate would have it, his love for Peggy Cotten became a higher priority to him. After dating for five years, Joe David and Peggy Cotten were married in Pampa, Texas, May 6, 1955, at St. Paul United Methodist Church. On this same day, Joe received his draft notice to serve in the United States Army. After basic training, he spent the remainder of two years at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where he was honorably discharged on May of 1957. Later in life, Joe earned his associates degree in Petroleum Technology from Western Texas College in Snyder. He worked for Texaco and retired after 24 years. He then became an oil and gas consultant and retired again at the age of 75. Joe had many hobbies which included hunting, fishing, golfing, racquetball, building Purple Martin birdhouses, and raising honeybees.

Joe David wholeheartedly loved his family. He is preceded in death by parents, Alvin and Naomi Martin, a sister, Virginia Romines, and two brothers, Harold Lloyd and Danny Martin. Almost a year ago, Joe was preceded in death by his grandson, Dr. Jed Martin. 

He is survived by his wife Peggy of the home, two sons, Ricky and wife Jana of Lake Hills, Texas; Gary and wife Angie of Pampa, Texas; a sister, Pat Maddox and husband Bill of Pampa, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joe David also leaves behind two grandchildren, Wes Martin of San Antonio and friend Kim, who became his caretakers these last months; and Payton Baird of San Antonio. He is survived by his late grandson Jed’s wife, Dr. Lindsey Denison Martin, and their children (Joe’s great grandchildren), Tober James Martin and Livi Jewel Martin.

Toward the end of his life, Joe became a much quieter man. Hospital stays increased as he suffered greatly from physical ailments and excruciating pain. Yet even then, in the hardest of times, his kindness and love remained ever present. And perhaps it is those very virtues that the world needs most today and, in the days, to come. We love and will miss you, Papa Joe.

Papa Joe and Mama Peg loved helping people in need and were very active in helping orphans in Africa. In lieu of flowers, please help one of these children in Africa by giving to Change A Life Ministry, P.O. Box 6091,
Abilene, TX 79608, in memory of Joe David Martin.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 PM.