Dumas Martin Sr.

Dumas Martin, Sr. was born on September 23, 1940 to the parents of Sylvester Martin, Sr. and Beulah Collins Martin. He graduated from Pearce High School in Dallas, Texas in 1958. He married the love of his life, Frances Ruth Gardner, on August 8, 1964 and remained married to her until his death. Dumas dutifully enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country for four (4) years. He served as a U.S. Air Force reserve for six (6) years. He was honorably discharged from both military branches. Dumas began his career at Parkland Memorial Hospital as an Inhalation Therapist. He later worked at the V.A. Hospital as a Research Surgical Specialist until he retired. Dumas was called to serve the Lord and enrolled in the Theological School at Dallas Baptist University. He received a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts and Science in 2001. He went on to become Senior Pastor at Greater Canaan Baptist Church until he retired. He was an active member of Greater Providence Baptist Church at his death. He was a substitute teacher with the Dallas Independent School District for many years. Continuing his passion of serving others, he attended the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and became a funeral home director at Laurel Land Funeral Home, where he worked for approximately five (5) years. Dumas was a track enthusiast. He, along with his wife Frances, formed the Dallas International Track Club. He coached and mentored young girls and boys and many of them looked up to him as a surrogate father. Dumas was preceded in death by his parents, five (5) brothers and two (2) sisters. He is survived by his lovely wife, Frances Ruth Martin; three (3) children, Phyllis Martin (from a previous marriage), Nicole Hunter (Roderick) and Dumas Martin, Jr.; eight (8) grandchildren and eight (8) great-grandchildren; his sister, Bobbie Jean Mitchell (James); and a host of other relatives.