Calvin Jones Martin

On Wednesday, March 5, 2026, Calvin Jones Martin, age 86, was called home to receive his heavenly reward. A man of deep character, unwavering faith, and quiet strength, Calvin lived a life defined by service—to his country, his family, and his community.

Calvin was born and raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where he learned early the values of hard work, discipline, and education. Those values guided him throughout his life. He attended North Carolina A&T State University, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

While at the university, Calvin became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a historically African American fraternity founded on the principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. In 1960 he was initiated through the Mu Psi Chapter, joining a brotherhood committed not only to academic excellence but also to uplifting communities and mentoring future generations—values that Calvin embodied throughout his life.

After graduating, Calvin was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program. During the early years of the Cold War, he served at Edwards Air Force Base, where he was part of the group sometimes referred to as the “Cold War Eagles.” This informal designation recognized a pioneering generation of engineers, scientists, and technical specialists—including African American professionals who broke barriers while contributing to America’s technological advancement during a critical moment in history. This was the team that ultimately developed a fuel type suitable to support America’s initial space mission to land a man on the moon.

As a chemist working in advanced fuel development and testing, Calvin helped support the innovation that powered next-generation aerospace and defense systems. His work contributed to maintaining the United States’ technological edge during a defining era of national security. Calvin separated from the Air Force at the rank to Captain.

Following his military service, Calvin continued serving the nation as a civilian. He joined the U.S. Department of Defense at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. It was there that he met the love of his life, Patricia Jo Applewhite, who would become his partner for 58 years.

Together they built a loving home and welcomed their son, (Calvin) Joel Martin, in 1969. Fatherhood became one of Calvin’s greatest joys, and he devoted himself wholeheartedly to guiding and supporting his family.

In 1973, Calvin was recruited by the Defense Logistics Agency to serve as its first Environmental Control Officer. In this pioneering role, he helped the military adapt to new federal environmental regulations, establishing programs that balanced environmental responsibility with mission readiness. Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than 34 years, Calvin advanced through multiple leadership roles focused on petroleum fuel quality, policy development, and technical standards that supported military operations around the world. By the end of his career as a GS-15, Calvin responsibilities included managing the entire fuel procurement supply chain for the entire Department of Defense’s huge fleet of military vehicles.

While his professional accomplishments were significant, Calvin believed that a person’s true legacy was measured by how they lifted others.

Outside of work, he invested deeply in his community and in the lives of young people. He coached youth sports teams, mentored neighborhood children, and consistently offered encouragement to those who lacked positive role models. Many young people found in Calvin a steady presence—a mentor, coach, and father figure who believed in their potential and challenged them to strive for more.

Those who knew Calvin remember a man of calm strength, kindness, and quiet leadership. He possessed a warm sense of humor and a reassuring presence that could make difficult moments easier and ordinary moments memorable. Whether in the workplace, on a ballfield, or within his family, Calvin consistently chose to uplift others.

Calvin embraced each of the roles life gave him with grace and purpose—son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, coach, mentor, and leader. His life was a testament to perseverance, service, and compassion.

He is survived by his loving wife Patricia Martin, his son Calvin Joel Martin (Vachon wife) and grandson Jonah Martin. Calvin was also a cherished member of the Applewhite family: Reggie Applewhite, Fred Hutney Applewhite (Anne), and Christine Thompson.

He is also survived by his sisters Debbie, Linda, and Linette, and his brother Curtis. He is preceded by his sister Marilyn and brother Alan.

His legacy lives on in every person he encouraged, every path he helped clear, and every life he uplifted.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue, San Antonio, Texas, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

Following the service on Sunday, family and friends are invited to attend a repast from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant, 17603 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257.

A Committal Service will take place on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 9:15 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to North Carolina A&T State University in honor of Calvin J. Martin, Class of 1961, at:

ncat.edu/give/index.php or mail to:

North Carolina A&T State University

Advancement Operations

Dowdy Building, Suite 400

1601 E. Market Street

Greensboro, NC 27411