Joe Keith Martin

Joe Keith Martin, 60, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2011 to be with his Lord and Savior, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Services will be 3:00pm Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with Pastor David Hargrave officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6-8pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery.

Joe was born January 18, 1951 in Abilene, TX to John and Francis Martin. Joe was a very talented musician. He and his brother, Pepper, had a band together for more than 25 years. He worked alongside well known artists such as, Ike and Tina Turner, Red Foxx, Tanya Tucker and many more. He was an accomplished drummer, unique vocalist, comedian and impersonator of many well known celebrities. One album, The Revolt of Emily Young, released in 1970 on Decca Records. A performance can be viewed on youtube.com\diggybell. He will be missed by those that got to work alongside him.

He is survived by his mother, Francis Martin; one son, William Thomas Martin of Dallas, TX; three brothers, Pepper Martin and his wife Linda of Odessa, TX, Greg Martin and his wife Sue also of Odessa and John Johnson of Indiana; three nephews, Gary Martin of San Antonio, TX, Greg Martin of Stamford, TX and Bryan Martin of New Braunfels, TX; one niece, Shelli Martin of Katy, TX; and several great-nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father John W. Martin.