Joseph Brooks Martin

Joe was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 17, 1921 to the late Mabel and R.E. Martin.

He graduated from South Side High School in Memphis in 1939 and attended Memphis State College before serving in World War II in the 15th Air Force stationed in Foggia, Italy. He was a Staff Sergeant, 2nd radio Operator, and ball turret gunner in a B-17 bomber which flew missions over Germany and Austria. On the 12th mission over Graz, Austria, Joe was injured in the line of duty and received the Air Medal and was awarded the Purple Heart.

After the war ended, Joe returned to Memphis and married Frances Wooten and enrolled in Georgia School of Technology (Georgia Tech). After graduation as an Industrial Engineer, he worked at Lone Star Steel in Dangerfield, Texas and then at General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) in Fort Worth until his retirement. Prior to her death in 1993, he and Fran were married 46 years and raised two daughters. Joe enjoyed golf, bridge, traveling and was active in First Presbyterian Church activities, especially the Maj-jo Sunday School Class where he had many cherished friends.

Survivors are daughters Linda Martin Toney and husband Dan, of Tyler, Patti Martin Obenhaus and husband Dick, of Austin, grandchildren Leigh Brown and husband Wynn, of Fort Worth, Katie Wynn and husband Forrest, of Houston, Jason Obenhaus and wife Lindsey, of Dallas, and Casey Horn and husband Tipton, of Austin. Great grandchildren are James Daniel (JD) Wynn, Isobel Lynn Wynn, Joseph Martin Obenhaus and Bates Martin Brown. Other family members include sister, June Martin Van Buskirk, nephew James Van Buskirk, niece Jan Van Buskirk and longtime very special friends, Edith Anderson and Carol and Gary Anderson.

The family would also like to thank Joe Khan and the wonderful caregivers on the 3rd Floor of Broadway Plaza CityView and Mission Hospice for their dedicated service.

Besides his sweet spirit and joyful approach to life, Joe (Pawpaw) left a very special gift for his family. He kept a detailed diary of his time in World War II and his daughters and sister made bound copies for the family members to treasure.