Melvin Dee Martin

Melvin D. Martin, 91, of OKC passed from this life on August 17, 2018 in OKC with his loving family by his side. Services have been entrusted to the care of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services and a graveside is scheduled for 1pm Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Midwest City. Public visitation will be held on Tuesday from 12pm to 8pm at the funeral home.

Melvin was born on November 19, 1926 in Milltown, AR to Newt and Lucille (Wilson) Martin. He was raised in Van Buren and being fiercely patriotic, Melvin joined the US Navy at 17 yrs old to fight in WWII. He did ordnance training at “King Kong’s Grave” in Norman, OK before being deployed overseas. Mel had an extensive career in the US Navy. He participated in supporting the Navy’s efforts in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He worked coordinating weapons systems for fire control, oftentimes working on the flight deck of aircraft carriers such as the USS Badoeng Straight, part of the Pacific Fleet. He was stationed in The Philippines and Key West, FL where he monitored Cuban radio transmissions during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In 1951, Mel was stationed in San Diego, CA where he met and married the love of his life Joann Merriman. They shared 67 wonderful years together. He spent time living in Memphis, TN where he was an instructor for the Navy until his retirement in 1966. Upon retiring from the Navy, he worked as a letter carrier for the USPS and in 1967 he relocated to OKC to attend the OKCPD police academy. In 1968 Melvin joined the OKC Airport Police Dept. After a decade of service at the airport, the OKCPD and Airport Police joined forces. He spent several years at the Central Division before eventually joining the Santa Fe Division where he remained until his retirement in 1991 at the rank of Captain.

Melvin was a friendly and jovial man who enjoyed gardening, traveling to Hawaii, and supporting his grandkids in their various activities. He was an active part of the Mason’s, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Kidney Foundation. Melvin’s faith was the cornerstone of his life and he was a longtime member of Brookwood Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and treasurer. They also attended Southern Hills Baptist Church. He was a generous man who had a heart for children. He helped start a non-profit organization in OKC that made it possible for disabled kids to go fishing, to airshows, and other activities that previously seemed impossible. Melvin was a loving husband, protective father, proud grandfather, dedicated public servant, and a loyal friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Newt and Lucille Martin; two brothers: Boyce and Jack Martin; his grandmother who raised him “Lil Granny.” He is survived by his wife of 67 years JoAnn Martin; two sons: Melvin D. Martin Jr and wife Deborah and James D. Martin and wife Rebecca; Grandchildren, William “Riley” Martin, Grace Elizabeth Martin, Adam Blake Martin, and Benjamin Maxwell Martin; as well as numerous great grandchildren and other beloved family members.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.advantageokc.com and memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Melvins name to the Wounded Warrior Project.