Russell Wayne Martin, Sr.

Russell Wayne Martin, Sr. September 9, 1918-November 3, 2005 Russell W. Martin Sr. died Thursday, November 3rd in Providence Hospital after a brief illness. His immediate family was by his side ‘til the end. Services will be at 9:30 A.M. Monday, November 7 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Bosque Chapel with the Rev. Jim Chandler officiating. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. Sunday, November 6, at the funeral home at 6101 Bosque Blvd. Russ Martin was born in Seymour, IA, September 9, 1918 to Arthur and Phoebe Martin. The youngest of 8 children, Russ grew up in Bussey, IA. At sixteen, he had to quit school to help support his family on the farm. After working in the Minnesota coal mines for a time, and upon the death of his father, he joined U.S. Army, in January 1941. He promptly rose in rank to T-5 in 6 months, and because of his high IQ scores was ordered to attend officer candidate school. After his commission as a Second Lieutenant, he was placed in charge of the same motor pool at then, Camp Hood now Ft. Hood where he had worked as a NCO. He met Illiemae Miller through a mutual acquaintance and they married in October, 1943. Russ joined the Waco Police Dept in 1951 and served until his retirement in December of 1983. He belonged to American Legion Post 121, George M. Denton Masonic Lodge #24, was a life member of Waco Police Assoc, two time president of that organization, third VP of Texas Municipal Police Assoc, and is widely credited with successfully securing the 5 day work week for municipal law enforcement personnel. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Illiemae Miller Martin, one son Russell Wayne Martin, Jr. of Corpus Christi and one daughter Almarie Marty Holmes and husband Jim of Houston; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church of Waco. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY