Thomas Benard Martin

Thomas B. Martin (Tom), 89 years of age, passed on Monday, September 16, 2019 at Brookdale Senior Living in Fort Walton Beach, FL.  Thomas was born January 27, 1930 in New Castle, VA to James and Mable Martin.  He was the third of six children.  Thomas was raised by his foster family C.F. Simpson and Charles L. and Ella Ross of New Castle, VA.  Tom married Dorthy Jeanett (Jan) Allen in 1953.  They has three children, Teresa Ann Martin of Rosthsay, MN; Deborah Kay McLean of Destin, FL and Anita Diane Pipes of Chilhowie, VA; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  Thomas was a veteran of four years during the Korean was.  He worked with the Vitro Corporation and later retired from the U.S. Government as a communication systems manager.  He was a previous member of the Range Commanders Council and a member of the USAF Old Crows Technical Organization.  He was a member of Destin United Methodist Church for over fifty years.  He was also a member of the Destin governing board before incorporation, past charter member of the Lions club and a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Hadji Shrine.  Thomas is survived by his wife Jan Martin of Destin, FL; daughter Deborah K. McLean and her husband Melton McLean of Destin, FL; grandchildren, Thomas DuVall and his wife Michelle of Bridgeport, WV; Craig DuVall and his wife Amanda of Crestview, FL; Allen Staples and his wife Rachel of Destin, FL; Lindley Ward of Destin, FL and Zane Ayers and her husband Chris of VA; great grandchildren, Grant DuVall, Anna DuVall, Coraline DuVall, Maddy Ward, Gavin Ward, Jeb Staples, Gus Staples and Hailey Ayres; foster mother, Ella Ross and her daughter Sandra of VA and brother Robert Martin.  Thomas was preceded in death by his children; Teresa and Diane; great grandchild Merrick; parents James and Mable Martin and foster father Charles Ross; siblings, Billy, Francis, Grace and Walter.  Services will be on Monday, September 23, 2019 held at Destin United Methodist Church located at 200 Beach Drive, Destin, FL 32541.  Times include: 9:45am family only; 10:00am public; 11:00am service.  There will be a graveside military and Masonic ceremony immediately following.  Destin Memorial Cemetery is located at 111 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, FL 32541.  

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