Henry Franklin Martin

Frank (as he was known) was born in Carriere, Mississippi on July 2, 1924 to Henry Eugene and Minnie Lee Martin. He graduated from Crystal Springs High School in 1942 where his father was Superintendent of Schools and Boy Scout Leader. He became a Life Scout and was a standout athlete.

Frank interrupted his college to serve in the USN for the last two years of WW II. He was discharged in a USMC uniform, prepared to go to the Pacific when the war ended.

Frank then graduated from Mississippi State College in 1948 where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation he went to work for the USDA Soil & Water Conservation service. He was called back into service in the US Army, where he served for twenty three years. His last duty station was in Tupelo, MS where he was advisor to the North Mississippi National Guard. While there he received the Magnolia Medal for exemplary service during Hurricane Camille.

Colonel Martin served in Germany, Japan, Korea and throughout the southeastern United States. After retiring from the Army he went to work at the University of Mississippi as Director of Placement. While at Ole Miss he earned a Master's Degree in Education with a 4.0 GPA. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, Beta Alpha Psi, the American Legion and Lion's Club.

After twenty two years of service to the state of Mississippi in Oxford and Jackson for the higher education of students, he and Geraldine retired to Madison County where they had married. His life's work included serving his Lord as Deacon and Sunday School Superintendant in Deland, FL, Tupelo, Oxford and First Baptist Church of Jackson. He was a member of the Fishers of Men Sunday School Class and was a fixture at every special event, Sunday service and Wednesday evening prayer ministry.

Frank is survived by son, Dr. H. Frank Martin, Jr., Eagle Scout, and daughter Cynthia Ann Martin Cox of Madison, 8 grandchildren, 2 Eagle Scouts, and 4 great-grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 67 years and a daughter, Deborah Joy Martin.

The visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral home on Saturday, July 29 at 10 AM with military service to follow. "The Colonel" was rarely beaten in handball or racquetball games and felt this was an extension of his lifelong Christian ministry: "They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."Please send any donations to First Baptist Church of Jackson.