January 18, 2023
Donald Edward Martin, Sr., 85, of Alleghany County, passed away, on Wednesday January 18, 2023, surrounded by his family. Mr. Martin was born on the 18th day of March 1937 in Alleghany County, a son of the late William E. and Eva Webb Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children and his wife of 40 years, Minnie Curry Martin in 1997; a son, Ricky Martin; a daughter and son in law, Janie Martin Arrant and Jacob; and a brother Kenneth Martin. He served in the United States Navy for 21 years during his time he served during the Vietnam War and the Korean Conflict. During his time in the military, he taught flight school and flew with the Blue Angels. He retired in 1997 as an Associate Professor for DSLCC. He was a member of the Hollywood (MD) Lodge # 223; the Kazim Shrine Temple of Roanoke; and a longtime avid musician in the area. He was an instructor and apprenticeship coordinator for Westvaco. In his spare time, he enjoyed target shooting.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years Caroline Stickler Martin of Lewisburg, WV; two sons Donnie Martin Jr. and his wife Debbie of Hot Springs and David Charles Martin and wife April of Covington; a number of grandchild to include Daniel Martin and his wife Tina, Vicky Lawson and husband Daniel, Heather Martin, Skyler Martin, Evan Martin, Kasandra Martin, Kaylynn Martin, Zane Martin, and Riley Martin; a number of great grandchildren; a brother Jobi Martin of Georgia; a daughter in law Tami Martin of Washington; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In keeping with his wishes his body has been cremated. A funeral service will be held on February 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home.
The family will receive their friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday February 11, 2023. Military rites will be conducted by the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorial donations in Mr. Martin's name be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 The funeral arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.
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Tributes
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Ray Feury
Aug 2, 2023
I moved away from Covington when I was 19.
While a teenager I stumbled o to the band The Country Squires.
Someone recognized me as a local singer and ask the band if they would get me up to do a song.
Don called me up and I did a couple and then they had me finish out the set.
Afterward Don invited me to join the band. I accepted his offer and I sang and played guitar with the group. Two weeks later he gave me a Bass guitar and told me to take it home and practice. 1 week later he called me to check on me and then told me I would be playing Bass tyat weekend.
Don took me under his wing and taught me about music, bands and what to watch out for.
I got to see Don a few years ago and once again play some music with him on stage.
I’ll never forget Don and the impression he left on a young man.
You will be missed Don and I can imagine you playing music in heaven now.
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Willie Smith
May 31, 2023
Great friend to many. Enjoy knowing Don since the late 70's. He was a wonderful influence to many that was around him performing music.
Loved much
Willie Smith
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John Woodrum
May 31, 2023
I had the privilege of playing some music with Don and I learned a lot from him about music. I am sorry to hear of his passing but it’s been an honor to know him!
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Barry Sharp
May 31, 2023
Found more photos of Don playing. Some of these were at Durbin Days, Others when we used to set up Sunday Jam sessions with other local musicians and Bands, Fond memories. Larry Smith and Gary Coulter have also past in the last couple of years. Larry a great vocalist and guitar player, Gary a great Bass Guitarist that could walk a Bass and sing at the same time and of coarse Don who's Steel Pedal work always made what ever song we were playing. Great Texas Swing Music. These photos will bring back memories of everyone that always came out to see us.
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Barry Sharp
May 31, 2023
I Loved playing music with Don. When he first recruited me to play with State Line Band, Gary took me to his house and said Don wants you to come practice and start playing with him. When we got there he sent Gary to the store. My whole practice was him setting me at the kitchen table teaching me the Circle of Fifths and what changes he was going to use when he played the Steel. He told me to burn a copy of it off and keep it in front of me on my music stand when ever we played. Best practice I ever had with any one. He was a Music Major and a wealth full of knowledge. I will miss him dearly. We were both Retired Navy Chiefs.
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Chaplain Paul F. Bricker
May 31, 2023
May God bless the Martin family at this time of mourning. The Lord Jesus is our help in time of need! We are a grateful nation for Mr. Martin's service to our country. Chaplain Paul F. Bricker Beckley VAMC.
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Michael J. Martin
May 31, 2023
Q: What 3 words best describe Donald and why?
A: My Oldest Brother; My Best Friend; Master Musician; PSA.116:15; MATT.5:4.
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Debbie Leigh Whitehead
May 31, 2023
Q: How did you meet Donald?
A: My Mother's Cousin.. so many notes of music i played with him! He played Fiddle,Mandolin, Guitar and Steel Guitar..We all are decendants of Webbs. And he always told me, It's the Webb in us! Donny,Debbie,here if you need anything Catherine,my heart felt sympathy..
This gentleman was one of the best musicians around.