Bobby Joe Martin
Colonel USAF Retired
Colonel Bobby Joe (BJ) Martin made his last flight September 7, 2008 in Austin, TX at the age of 74.
Colonel Martin was born on January 27, 1934 in Vera, TX to Goldie Bell and Johnny Martin, the youngest of 11 children. He graduated from Throckmorton (TX) High School in May of 1951 and attended Arlington State Junior College and East Texas State University. He graduated from ETSU in May 1955 with a Bachelor of Music Education and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force through the AFROTC program.
Colonel Martin spent the majority of his Air Force career as a Tactical Reconnaissance pilot and Instructor pilot flying over 4000 hours in the RF-84F, RF-101C and RF–4C. He participated in many missions during the Cold War including the 1958 Lebanon Crisis and 1962 Cuban Crisis. During the Vietnam War he completed 100 combat missions over North Vietnam flying the RF-4C. After 29 years of active duty, he retired from the Air Force – the passion of his life.
Over the course of his career he was stationed in many places including Kadena AB, Okinawa, Udorn AB, Thailand; Incirlik AB, Turkey (as Base Commander); Ramstein AB, Germany; Chanute AFB, IL; Shaw AFB, SC and Bergstrom AFB, TX (as 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron Commander). Among his many military decorations and awards are: two Distinguished Flying Crosses; three Meritorious Service Medals; twelve Air Medals; and the Joint Forces Expeditionary Medal.
On February 14, 1959 Colonel Martin married Carolyn Baker of Sumter, South Carolina. Two children were born to that marriage (Deborah and Jeffery).
He was pre-deceased by his parents, Johnny E. and Goldie B. Martin; son Jeffery Martin; sister Geraldine Caldwell and brothers EJ, Leroy and John B; five infant siblings and ex-wife Carolyn Martin.
He is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Donna Frazer Martin; daughter Debi Martin Luckenbill and husband Mike of Sugar Land, TX; step daughter Dana Bush and husband Ken of Birmingham, AL; granddaughters Alexis, Victoria and Aubrie of Sugar Land, TX; Katrina and Alia Bush of Birmingham, AL, brother; Bill Martin and wife Odell of Laurel, MS; sisters-in-law Tommye Martin and Pat Martin both of Austin, TX; nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. September 10, 2008 at Austin-Peel Funeral Home. Celebration of his life will be at 10:00 a.m. September 11, 2008 at Austin-Peel Funeral Home with burial following at Austin Memorial Park in Austin, TX. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to charity of your choice or Diabetes Research.
- RELATION TO COUSINS: Husband of cousin • Donna Mae Kirmse
- BIRTH: 27 Jan 1934 • Vera, Knox County, Texas, USA
- DEATH: 7 Sep 2008 • Austin, Travis County, Texas, USA
- BURIAL: Austin Memorial Park Cemetery • Austin, Travis County, Texas, USA
- PLOT: sect 5B
- FIND A GRAVE MEMORIAL ID: 29727323