Ernest Martin Jr.

Ernie was born in Dallas, Texas on December 31, 1928 at Old St. Paul hospital and returned home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 25, 2013. He was very proud of being a native Dallasite. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1946 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. In 1949 he was Honorably Discharged and enrolled in the SMU College of Engineering. Upon his graduation in 1954, he accepted a job at Collins Radio Company and stayed with that company through two acquisitions and retired after 33 years of service on October 16, 1987.

On May 22, 1954, he married the love of his life, Lucille Norton, and they were happily married for 59 years. He was the proud father of two daughters, Cheryl Martin Salmon (Richard), and Carol Diane Spear, and 5 grandchildren; Christine Salmon Ellis (Garrett), Keith Salmon, James Salmon, Trea Kilby (Leah) and Clara Edwards (Chad).

Ernie was particularly known for his volunteer service at First United Methodist Church and the Dallas Arboretum. He joined First Church in 1939 was still a member at the time of his death. He served in a variety of capacities at the church, but exhibited the gift of the spirit in hospitality in his role as the Head Usher and Greeter for 40+ years, a worker in the services associated with CCS (Crossroads Community Services) and his work with the youth of the church. Ernie was the "doorkeeper of the House of the Lord" and would welcome everyone as they entered and worshiped at First United Methodist Church.

At the Dallas Arboretum he utilized this same gift of hospitality as a greeter and tour guide for many years. He would take special interest and care when the children would come on field trips to the gardens. One of his favorite stories was when he was helping out Santa taking orders from children at Christmas and one child while visiting with Santa, handed his pacifier to him because he no longer needed it. To this day, this pacifier hangs from his tree each Christmas.

Ernie was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Eula Belle (Mother) and Byron (Pops) Armstrong, his cousin Jane Stafford, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Survivors include Lucy Martin his wife of 59 years, daughters Cheryl Salmon (Richard), Carol Spear; grandchildren Christine Salmon Ellis (Garrett), Keith Salmon, James Salmon, Trea Kilby (Leah) and Clara Kilby Edwards (Chad); brother and sister-in-law, Earlene and Watson Norton; nephew - Jim Norton (Sue), niece - Susie Martin (Bob)and numerous friends and extended family.

The family would like to first thank the Dallas Area Parkinson's Society that met at Lakeside Baptist Church. The support of the other caregivers in this group has helped to sustain, strengthen and encourage Lucy as the primary caregiver for Ernie as he battled with Parkinson's. A special thank you to Rebecca Marcus, she was a caregiver for Ernie on numerous occasions over the last several months. She was a special angel sent to the family at a time Ernie needed special attention and care. They also would like to thank VITAS hospice that took care of their husband and father in the final days. Their care and compassion helped make the painful loss one of dignity.

As Ernie entered the Gates of Heaven, The Lord was heard to say - "Job well done, my good and faithful servant."

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First United Methodist Church - CCS, The Dallas Arboretum, or Dallas Area Parkinson's Society.