Obituary of John I. Martin

John I. Martin, 78, of Barnes, Texas passed away Saturday March 2, 2019 at home surrounded by his family. He was born December 21, 1940 to the late Sam and Sarah Martin.

He was born and grew up in Camden, Texas... a place he reminisced about often. A Vietnam War Veteran and an Eagle Scout, he was a friend to all, and a stranger to few. John married the love of his life, Patsy Whitworth, September 27, 1969 and they were married for 49 beautiful years. He also attended Caney Creek Baptist Church. He loved to talk and his grandchildren were very special to him. He was self employed and retired from the sawmill industry. After retirement, John enjoyed gardening, his grandkids, and running the roads.

John is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patsy Martin of Barnes; daughter, Jana Rayburn and husband Scott of Barnes; son, Bryan Martin and wife Kristy of Barnes; grandchildren, Colten Martin, J.T Martin, Donna Martin, Annie Rayburn, and Jack Rayburn, all of Barnes; brother, Sam Martin Jr. and wife Irene of Moscow; special nieces, Jane Clarke and Nina Rowe, both of Moscow; brothers-in-law, Jerrel Whitworth and wife Carol of Lufkin, Larry Whitworth and wife Eva of Corrigan, John Wesley Whitworth and wife Jan of Chester, Bill Whitworth and wife Ann of Spring, Dennis Whitworth of Chester, Jim Whitworth and wife Diann of Chester; sisters-in-law, Mary Cryer and husband Don, Carolyn Hughes and husband Rusty, Barbara Toney and husband Mike, Katheryn Whitworth, Debbie Whitworth, Jennie Lewis and husband Eddie, and Betty Whitworth, all of Chester; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Sarah Martin; sisters, Joyce Rowe and Annie Beth Zorn; and brother-in-law, Dick Whitworth.

Serving as pallbearers will be Colten Martin, J.T Martin, Jack Rayburn, Donna Martin, Annie Rayburn, Josh Clarke, Jay Clarke.

Visitation will be held Monday March 4, 2019 from 5-8PM at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be Tuesday March 5, 2019 at 1PM also at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Hammonds Cemetery in Barnum.

In lieu of flowers, John’s family is asking for donations to a hospice of your choice. They also want to extend a special thank you to the staff at Affinty Hospice for their exceptional care.