Thomas Wayne Martin Jr.

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Visitation Schedule
Roller Coffman Funeral Home
923 Hwy 65 N
Marshall, AR  72650
Friday, November 25, 2016
6:00 till 8:00 PM
Service Schedule
Roller Coffman
923 Hwy. 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
Saturday, November 26, 2016
2:00 PM
Cemetery
East Lawn Cemetery
Hwy 27 North
Marshall, AR  72650
I served in the Army.
Thomas Wayne Martin Jr.I am a Veteran.

of Marshall, AR

September 21, 1932 - November 21, 2016

Tommy Martin's long struggle with cancer ended Monday, November 21st, 2016 at Hospice of the Ozarks in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Thomas Wayne (Tommy) Martin Jr. was born outside of Marshall on September 21st, 1932 at the home of his parents, Wayne and Nellie Martin. He had the privilege to grow up in Marshall during its glory years. He had many stories of growing up on the square in Marshall where his parents ran a grocery store. Tommy attended Marshall High School and graduated in 1951. He was a member of the 1951 State Championship basketball team.

Upon completion of high school, Tommy began his military service. He was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was gravely injured during his training when his parachute failed to open, his backup parachute opening only seconds before impact.

Upon completion of his military service he came home to Marshall. There he met and married his lifelong companion and wife of 60 years, Joyce Dell (Sparks) Martin. They were married May 24th, 1956 at Clinton, Arkansas. From this union 5 children were born, Donna (Jackie) Hopkins of Mtn. Home, Wayne (Susan) Martin of Marshall, Thecia (Kelley) Smith of Marshall, Jeff Martin of Marshall and Sarah (Mike) Kendrick of Marshall. He also had 9 grandchildren, Kelly Hopkins of Mtn. Home, Lindsey Hopkins Partee of Mtn. Home, Tommy Martin of Marshall, Mallory Martin of Marshall, Farrell Smith of Yellville, Summer Smith of Marshall, Alexandra Coffman of Jonesboro, Graci Martin of Marshall and Dylan Kendrick of Marshall. He also had 6 great-grandchildren. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Nellie Martin, three brothers, Clyde Martin, Clell Martin and Claude Martin, and one sister, Jo Ella Mainord.

After his marriage, Tommy and Dell moved to Los Alamos, NM where he was employed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then moved his growing family to Springfield, MO where he worked in sales. Tommy then returned to his boyhood home of Marshall where he worked multiple jobs to support his family. He eventually started to work for Coffman Funeral Home which he later owned and operated. Tommy had found his life long career. He was presented with a plaque for 50 years of service from Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in 2013. During his 50 years of service he touched the lives of most all of Searcy County. During this time he served at the state level on the Arkansas Cemetery Board and the Arkansas Burial Association Board. They also owned and operated Marshall Monument until 2006. He also developed Marshall Memorial Garden cemetery during this time. In 1962 he was elected as Searcy County Coroner. In 2002, State Representative Roy Ragland presented Tommy with a citation honoring his 40 years of service to the citizens of Searcy County. He did these jobs with the dignity and integrity that the jobs required. He was elected to the MHS school board where he served for 15 years. He was involved with many major changes during this time, including the addition of the new high school, the Ray Moore gymnasium and addition of the MHS football program. In 2014 he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by the MHS alumni for his many years of service to our school and Searcy County. Tommy was a member of the Campbell Lodge #115 in Marshall.

There will be a visitation at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home on Friday, November 25th, 2016 from 6:00 till 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be on Saturday, November 26th, 2016 at 2:00 PM.

We would like to thank the many friends and family for all the prayers and support that we received over the last several weeks. Tommy led a life of unwavering commitment to his school, his town, Searcy County, his country and most of all to his family, serving all with honor, integrity and distinction.

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14 Condolence(s)
Judy Mabr
Springfield, MO
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Monday, November 28, 2016

So sorry . Have many good memories some that go back to the Chicken Grill. Prayers are with you.

Brenda Lewis
Timbo, AR
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Monday, November 28, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed visiting with Tommy in the Post Office, he was always so pleasant. May God bless each of you at this time.

Debbie Harris Watts and family
Marshall, AR
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Friday, November 25, 2016

Mr Tommy has helped so many families through their time of grief. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time.

Frank and Karilyn Trimble
Conway,
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Friday, November 25, 2016

Thoughts and prayers for your family

Gail and Mike Hamilton
Springdale, AR
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Friday, November 25, 2016

Mike and I were very sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gail Harness Hamilton

Joyce and Ed Tudor
Marshall, AR
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Thursday, November 24, 2016

Dear Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in knowing he's in a better place...in a better place.

Gary Anderson
Russellville, CA
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Thursday, November 24, 2016

Tommy Martin, a good man and a great friend for many years.
A great Funeral Director serving families for over fifty years.
To me, Tommy Martin was Coffman Funeral Home. I remember growing up watching him as he served the families of my friends and relatives. Many of those years his wife working along with him. He was always kind and compassionate yet professional as he carried out the wishes of the families.

He was an inspiration to me and when the opportunity came for me to enter Funeral Service he was there to encourage me. It was like a dream come true for me, to be able to work with him as a colleague and get to know him as a close friend.

We had some times to visit when I worked in Conway. On occasion, we were able to catch up on the latest and visit about days gone by and it was always good to have a chat.

Today, I think of the thousands of families he assisted in saying their goodbyes. Now, it is his family that is being assisted by others as they say farewell to this good man.

My prayer is that as they reflect on his life of service to others, they will be comforted in remembering his dedication to serving others.
I am honored today to be counted among his many friends.

God Bless,
Gary Anderson, CFSP

Mike Harris
Harriett,
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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Tommy was a kind compassionate man who helped many families during the loss of loved ones. We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family.
Mike and Peggy Harris

Ewanda Shipman Young
Caruthersville, MO
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Wednesday, November 23, 2016


You are all in my thoughts and prayers, during this difficult time.
I have many fond memories of your family!!!

Leshia Baxter
,
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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you .

Kathy Jim Horton Williams
Mountain Home, AR
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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Tommy and Dell were always household names at my home ....my Dad always considered Tommy a dear and trusting friend. When my Mom needed help, they were who she could depend on. My family was always blessed by their friendship. I can't help but smile just a little thinking about a handshake and old stories between Tommy and my Dad right now. Sending much love and prayers for Ms Dell and her sweet children during this very difficult time!!!!!

Tim Reynolds
Marshall,
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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Judy & I wish to express our condolences to each of you. Tommy was a very special friend. I enjoyed working with him at the funeral home. We went out of town several times and he always wanted me to take him to the restaurants that served the "BEST" food. Once went to Kansas for a service and stopped at Lamberts on the way back. He had never been there and he couldn't believe the size of the coffee cups, but when they started serving the food he was like a little kid in a candy store!! About halfway through the meal he looked at me very serious way an said, " MY GOD" Tim, your trying to kill me. Prayers & Blessings to all.
Tim & Judy Reynolds

Kenneth and Janet Rainbolt
Marsjhall, AR
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Monday, November 21, 2016

We are so sorry to hear of Tommie's passing
He was a fine man and will be missed.

Our prayers are with you.

Carla Kelley
Conway,
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Monday, November 21, 2016

We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Tommy's passing. We know he has been sick for awhile. We hope you can find peace in knowing he is in no more pain and is now in Heaven. He lives in each of you. When you talk about the memories you have with him it will help you. We will be praying for each of you and if you need us we are a phone call away. Our Prayers continues.... Kelley Family