Services are Monday for Cushing resient Elmo “Jake” Martinez. He died Nov. 11, 2008 at his home. He was 74.
Funeral services will 10 a.m., Monday in the chapel at Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Cushing. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Fort Gibson National Cemetery. The Rev. Jim Franklin will officiate.
Jake was born Aug. 22, 1934 in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Pete and Dona Acousta Martinez. He grew up and attended school in Nacogdoches and later attended Oklahoma State University.
On Dec. 19, 1958 in Porterville, Calif., he married Kathryn Louise Franklin.
Jake retired from the U.S. Navy on June 19, 1973 after serving the country for 20 years. He served on the USS Toledo, USS Los Angeles and USS Monticello. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam service medal with bronze star, republic Vietnam campaign medal, fourth good conduct award and the Vietnam armed forces Meritorious Unit Commendation for Gallantry.
He was an avid golfer and was head professional for several years at Drumright Municipal Golf Course. He also enjoyed camping and spending time with his family in numerous settings.
He loved his family and they loved him.
Survivors include his wife of almost 50 years, Kathryn Louise Martinez; son James Elmo Martinez and wife Wendy of Decatur, Ill.; daughters Anita Kay Smith and husband Mick of Sand Springs and Kimberly Ann Halford and husband Calvin of Stroud; grandchildren Zachary and Will Cook, Chrystal Yoas, Jeremy Halford, Jamie Cloud and Brooks Martinez; great-grandchildren Bentlie and Peyton Cook, Eric and Jill Cook and Calynn Yous; sisters Elma Harvey and Freddie Prickett of Nacogdoches, Texas, and Vernice Gerhing, Trafford, Pa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Johnnie Martinez and Mack Martinez; and a sister, Katie Halstead.
Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home. Condolences, video and online guest book are available at www.palmarlerfh.com.