Sam Martin passed away at his home in Wetumka on March 4, 2014, at the age of 70 years.

Sam was the son of Henry & Yannah (McGeeley) Martin, born on November 16, 1943, in Holdenville, Oklahoma. He was brought up in the Holdenville area, and attended schools in Holdenville and Pecan Grove. He joined the U.S. Army and served during peacetime, between the Korean and Vietnam wars, stationed in Germany. He was married to Yvonne Battiest, who preceded him in death in 1991. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for George McGee and also for Project Construction Company. He was a quick learner and skilled worker, helping to build numerous highways, dams, ponds and various other projects. Wetumka had been his home for the past several years.

Sam had an excellent memory and a keen appreciation for history in general and his personal past and heritage in particular. He highly valued his collection of history books, and the obituaries of numerous friends and family members. Among his favorite things were fishing and working on cars. He loved to cook and was very good at it, but also loved to go out and eat. He had no children of his own, but was much loved by family members.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne, brother Joe Martin, and nephew Michael Martin.

He is survived by "Missy", his rat terrior, his beloved and faithful companion; two nephews and one niece: Ted Martin and wife Angela of Fort Gibson, Tim Martin of Holdenville, and Sue Upton and husband Rick, also of Holdenville; great nieces Alicia Martin and Lauren Martin, and great nephew Kyle Martin, all of Fort Gibson; four great-great nieces and nephews; numerous other family members and many friends, including cousins Idalene Taylor and husband Jimmy of Holdenville, Janice Screechowl and husband Ed of Stroud, and special friend Anne Marshall of Holdenville.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 7, 1:00 p.m. at the Wewoka Indian Methodist Church at Yeager, and Sam will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Rev. Joe Lowe Jr. and Rev. David Dunson are the officiating ministers. Pallbearers are Mike McGirt, Ed Screechowl, Kevin King, Jimmy Taylor, Beaver Ward, Tim Martin, Donald Long, and Tim Long. Honorary pallbearers are Nathan Long and the men from the Wetumka NAPA store.

Viewing at the funeral home will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday (March 5) and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday (March 6), when the family will proceed to the Wewoka Indian Methodist Church for a wake at 7:00 p.m.