Jay Martin

Jay D. Martin of Eunice, NM, passed away on April 7, 2023, at 86.

Jay D was born 1/2/1937 in Cherokee County, OK, to Delphia Hicks Martin and Lester H. Martin. Jay D was first and foremost a loving and devoted Husband to his Sharon for 53 years. In addition, he was a superhero Dad to Jay Allen and D’Ann, an amazing Grandpa to Caleb, Jason, and Ashley, and a loving Great-Grandpa to Tristan.

Jay D. came to Eunice in 1954, where he met and married the love of his life, Sharon Scott, on October 10, 1958.

As Jay D. rose through the ranks in pipeline construction, he worked for McVean and Barlow Pipeline and Ferguson Construction as a heavy equipment operator.   He was noted for his skills at “setting in pipe” on a sideboom.   Eventually, he taught himself how to weld at home on weekends using a simple “cracker box”.

Jay D. took great pride as a pipeline welder and fabricator at B & H Construction for 35 years, where he enjoyed helping many young men break into welding. He was a man of simple means who cared deeply for those around him and cared for his family, friends, and neighbors, beginning at the young age of 16 when his father was killed in a house fire.

Jay D. is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Delphia Martin, one sister, Bernice Riggins,nephews, Bill Cunningham and Kelly Stewart, and Jay's loving wife, Sharon.

Surviving Jay D is his son Jay Allen Martin (Diana) of Conway, AR, daughter D’Ann Harris (Jerry) of Salado, TX, and Grandchildren Caleb Martin, Jason Harris, and Ashley Harris, Great Grandson Tristan Harris. One Sister Ina Waddell of Berrien Springs, MI, Nieces Delphina Ortiz (Fred), Betty Hyde (Tom), Barbara Peterson (Jack), Patty Cox (Glen), and Debra Waddell-Zavoral (Alan). Great Nieces and Nephews Dashia Strasner (Casey), Penny Parker (Brett), Beau Ortiz (Jenny).

Pall Bearers: Jimmie Berumen, Irvin Boyd, Donnie Money, Craig Nelson, Billy Thrash, and Bobby Thrash.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Charlie Bettis, Arvis Curtis, J.C. Cox, Roger Holland, Denzel Keeton, Floyd Sims