Fred Frankman Martin

Fred Frankman (Pink) Martin left this world to rejoin the love of his life, Gladys, on Sunday, April 3, 2016. Fred rose above his surroundings; as a person he was the best husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend that he could be; and as a pilot, helping pilots and planes perform at their best.

Fred was born in Hartford, Arkansas on August 29, 1920. The son of a coal miner, he moved many times to follow that work; spending most of his youth in Maryville, Illinois. He honed his mechanical and math skills working in the local blacksmith shop and rebuilding Model T Fords into race cars. His real love was flying. He took his skills and his love of flying to the Army. Following his service he opened his own flying school; he was a flight leader with California Easter Airways, training the pilots of the US Air Force and our allies. After that contract school closed, he joined the FAA, first in Alaska, then in Cincinnati and retired as director of the Southeast Region. In all that Fred did he achieved excellence, truly earning his title as a member of “The Greatest Generation.”

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Drique Martin. He is survived by his daughters, Ginger (Pete) Strange and Sheree (Tommy) Roppel, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, his brother Bob (Karen) Martin, and his sister and brother-in-law, Roger and Gloria Drique.

A Celebration of Fred’s life will be held Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 10 am in Good Shephard Mausoleum Chapel located in Resthaven Memorial Park, 4400 Bardstown Road, with a private interment in Resthaven Memorial Park. Family will be receiving visitors from 9am until the time of service on Thursday in Good Shepherd Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation in Fred’s honor (dvnf.org). Arch L. Heady at Resthaven in charge of arrangements.