Jack D. Martin's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Dawson Martin a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and Uncle, who peacefully departed this life in his cherished home on April 12, 2025, at the age of 92. Jack was born on September 18, 1932, in Longview, Texas to Emma Jewel and Johnny Clyde Martin. Jack was a devoted husband to his late wife Mary Martin of 62 years, a loving father to Ginny, Chuck & Joani, and grandfather and great-grandfather to all his grandchildren.
Jack graduated from Longview High School in May of 1948 and was employed at Longview News Journal. On February 13, 1953, Jack entered the army at Ft. Hood where he served our nation as a Staff Sergeant. Marrying his sweetheart Mary Helen Merritt on May 23, 1953, they began their family in Temple, Texas while he served at Ft. Hood. Soon after, Jack and Mary moved their home to Longview, Tx., and eventually built their forever home on his grandparents homestead in Hallsville, Texas.
After his stint with the army Jack & Mary opened The Rootbeer Stand, which they later sold to K&N Rootbeer. During this time he also began his coaching career with Little League baseball where he coached for a number of years. Jack was a true entrepreneur at heart. Starting a custom hay bailing business and cattle operation, to raising earth worms, to an Emu farm and after retirement from Texas Eastman, where he worked for over 30 years, he and Mary launched Martin’s Berry Patch, a Blueberry/Blackberry farm. They loved going on cruises, square dancing, and their monthly dinner and game nights with close friends, fondly called the supper club. Most of all Jack loved being at his home. He loved his family, his cows and dogs, sports of all kinds - especially the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, and anything Aggies. Jack didn’t know a stranger and always found a way to help those in need. He cherished his time with family and friends and had a real knack for playing jokes and making people laugh. Jack loved Jesus and attended Hallsville Methodist Church.
Jack D. Martin is preceded in death by his wife Mary Helen Martin, Mother Emma Jewel Martin, Father Johnny Clyde Martin and his brother Jimmy Ray Martin. He leaves behind his daughter Ginny Caligiuri and husband Tony, son Chuck Martin and wife Laura, daughter Joani Wangerin. Four grandchildren, Taaffe Caligiuri and wife Stephanie, Hannah Ortega and husband Martin, Maddie Castillo and Joe Macey. Seven great grandchildren, Jasmine, Delilah, Eden, Kai & Levi Ortega and Cainley and Daavin Caligiuri and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Tx., on April 16, 2025, at 2:00pm with visitation from 12:30 to 2:00. Following will be a military graveside service at Memory Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hallsville Methodist Church in Hallsville, Tx.
Rest in peace daddy! We love you and will forever cherish the memories we shared.
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