John Thomas Martin

John was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We hope that you remember him for the way he lived his life and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

John was born in Tulare, California on April 23, 1947 to Johnnie and Mary (Mickey) Martin and was the oldest of six children. He attended Waukena Elementary and Tulare High School. He attended College of the Sequoias, Fresno State and Fresno Pacific University, earning a teaching credential. While attending college, a mutual friend introduced John to the love of his life Carolyn. John would jokingly say they met when Carolyn crashed her bike into him. After two years of dating they married on June 7, 1969. John and Carolyn built a beautiful life in Hanford, CA where they raised four lovely daughters.

John received his teaching credential at Fresno State and began teaching at Laton High School in 1972. During the 38 years he spent there, John filled many positions including: shop teacher, math teacher, science teacher, Vice Principal, and Principal of Laton High School. He taught many generations there, encouraging the students to do their best and achieve their goals, and advised them from time to time, always giving useful advice when needed.

During his tenure, John was committed to being an accomplished educator, mentor and coach. John was the head coach for the Laton High School varsity wrestling, softball and the JV volleyball programs. Throughout his coaching career, his teams earned many championships.

John was preceded in death by his parents Johnnie and Mary (Mickey) Martin, daughter Dianne Pilgrim, grandsons Mitchell Bowers, Trevor and Bryce Azevedo, and granddaughters Marissa and Macie Azevedo.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn, three daughters and four sons-in-law: his son-in-law Randy Pilgrim (Dianne) of Visalia and their children (Raenni, Randy-John and Ryan), his daughter Nancy Hunt (Nathan) of Hanford and their children (Nacole and Nathaniel (Alyssa)), his daughter Terri Azevedo (Richie) of Laton and their daughters (Morgan and Makayla), and his daughter Stacey Martin-Bowers (Phillip) and their children (Gustin, Staley Caviglia (Conner), Stevie Reed and great-granddaughter Emilia Joni Quinn Caviglia), his brothers Jerry Martin (Marlene), Louis Martin (Donna), Neal Martin (Teresa), sisters Carole Mederos (Daniel), Catherine Compton and many nieces and nephews.

John found joy in coaching his daughters' youth and high school softball teams. He took an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren and was a constant presence in their lives. He loved attending their games, going camping, riding quads, going on road trips, shopping for antiques, welding and building things with them.

John was a gentle, unassuming man with a sly sense of humor, he was inviting and easy going. He had a young-at-heart quality and loved to tell stories. Family get-togethers for holidays and any occasion delighted him, especially when it included lots of chocolate! John was the best girl dad a girl could ask for and although he was outnumbered, he wouldn't have had it any other way.