Merlin Martin

Merlin Dwight Martin, CMS, USAF retired, 88, died on Friday, March 5, 2010, at his home in Beeville. He was born to Paul and Vona Blanche Herrod Smith on April 11, 1921 in Lima, Ohio. He married Thelma Pauline Herrell in Clovis, N. M. on June 7, 1945. He was a Lutheran, and a retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant. He was also a life time member of the VFW and member of the American Legion. Other memberships include 45 years of the Elks Lodge in Albuquerque, N. M. and a benefactor of the NRA. Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Pauline Martin; his parents, three sisters, and a great grandson, Brandon Martin. Survivors include one son, Raymond "Pappy" (Sandra) Martin of Beeville; five grandchildren, Stephan Barbin, Tammie Martin, Raymond Martin, Jr., Terrell Martin, and Colleen Martin; seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, one brother, Linton (Margaret) Smith of Canyon Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Thursday, at Galloway and Sons Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. A graveside service will be held with full military honors on Friday, at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Honorary pallbearers will be Stephan Barbin, Stephan Barbin, Jr., Raymond Martin, Jr., Terrell Martin, S/Sgt. Michael Williams and Anthony Martin.