Julius O. Martin

Julius was born August 3, 1936 in Red Oak, Iowa to James and Violet (Worm). He served in the US Army Infantry from January 5, 1955 to March 24, 1958. He married his sweetheart Darlene Collins on June 30, 1958. He studied at Northwest Bible College in Minot, ND and graduated with honors in 1961. Julius spent the next 61 years in ministry with the Church of God in 10 states and 3 countries. He retired as Chaplain from the El Paso Gospel Rescue Mission in 2016 after 11 years of Rescue Mission work in El Paso (and 7 years in Las Cruces, NM previously). He was the pastor of the Federal Church of God, in El Paso, TX.

Julius was a devoted follower of Jesus. In any situation he had a story to tell. These stories were often incorporated into his preaching and Bible teaching to illustrate the point he was making. He identified strongly with the passages in the New Testament that compared the Christian life to that of a farmer, a soldier, and an athlete. He understood each of these metaphors well from his time on the farm in his teen years, his time serving his country in the army in Germany, and from his lifelong love of playing and watching sports. Pastor Martin always had a moment to listen and offer a word of encouragement or a prayer. He often said that he prayed each day to be a blessing to someone—and he was. He’d drop everything to help someone in need, whether family, friend, or stranger—never counting the cost.

He was the devoted husband to Darlene for almost 64 years. He valued her unconditional support and love as she moved many times and worked alongside him in each area of ministry. He was always so proud of each of his children. He loved to brag about their accomplishments and honors, but his deepest joy was that each of them serve the Lord and raise their families to love Jesus. As his grandchildren and great grandchildren have arrived he has kept a running tally of how many there are and how many are on the way (Final tally: 7 children, 28 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, plus another great grandchild and his first great-great grandchild on the way). Each member of his family knew he was proud of them and loved them deeply.

Though he left the farm for Bible College, the farm never left him. He loved his cowboy boots and hat and wore them as an authentic cowboy. He always carried the lessons of the farm with him—in how to repair things, in how to think through a problem, and in his trust in God to always provide—and he passed those lessons to all fortunate enough to receive them. Any chance he could, he would go fishing, go to a live sporting event, or watch sports on TV. He was always willing to learn something new and in 2020 began his venture into online video streaming as he started to share a daily devotional, his weekly Sunday School lesson and Sermon on Facebook. Julius knew no strangers and had friends everywhere he went.

Julius was preceded in death by his father James, his mother Violet, and his brother Howard. He is survived by his wife Darlene and his Mother-in-Law Edith (McMahon) Collins, both of El Paso, TX. He leaves behind his sister Esther Clark of Las Vegas, NV, his sister-in-law Kim Martin of Austin, TX , his children David Martin (Carla) of North East PA, Rachel Adamson (Randy) of Deming, NM, Deborah Hinshaw (Duane) of Garner, NC, Timothy (Teresa) of Bryan, TX, Tabitha Spitzer (Steven), of El Paso, TX, Sarah Meisel (Jason) of Auburn, WA, and Ruth Martin of Carlsbad, NM. He is also survived by his 28 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He leaves beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and more friends than can be counted.

Visitation will be at Hillcrest Funeral West at 5054 Doniphan Dr, El Paso, TX 79932 on Thursday Evening June 23, 2022 from 5pm to 6pm. A Celebration of Life Service will then begin at 6pm officiated by his two sons, David Martin and Timothy Martin. A graveside service will occur Friday, June 24, 2022 at 1:30pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rescue Mission of El Paso, 221 N. Lee St., El Paso Tx, 79901