A true rocket scientist, Jerry I. Martin landed among the stars on February 5, 2023.

He is survived by Debbie Martin, his wife, best friend and travel companion of 42 years, children Kathy Walker, Steve Martin, Greg Martin, Katie Klein (husband Aaron), grandchildren Ashley, Kyle, Justin, Chad, Hunter and Jacob (wife Emily), seven great grandchildren, sisters, Rosie Evers and Dixie Huling, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother Gary.

Jerry was born on May 8, 1938 in Firth, Nebraska to Harold Ivo and Edna Pearl Martin. Jerry left his Nebraska roots and earned his Engineering Technology degree from Cleveland Institute of Electronics in Cleveland, Ohio. He then moved to Florida to raise his children and earned a degree from Mary Karl School of Applied Science.

Jerry's interest in electronics and technology led him to work at General Electric for 33 years. He was most proud to have worked on several Apollo Space missions. He then took his knowledge to the General Electric Medical Systems division from which he retired as a field service engineer. After marrying Debbie, the two spent much of their time on the family farm in Wakita, Oklahoma. Jerry's ultimate passion included traveling, camping and hiking. It is estimated that over the years Jerry and Debbie traveled over 550k miles across the United States, including driving to the end of the Alaskan highway. Jerry had a keen interest in Native American and Civil War histories, and he and Debbie participated in Historical Reenactments at Fort Richardson State Park in Texas.

Jerry was a tremendous force for God's goodwill on this earth. He had a big heart for helping others, never met a stranger, and gave unselfishly of his time and resources. Many describe Jerry as a kind, quiet, gentle man, who always shared his infectious smile. In addition to his family, Jerry will be missed by many friends who he worked with, volunteered with, farmed with and camped with.

Services are under the direction of Mulkey-Bowles Montgomery Funeral Home. In true Jerry fashion and love for the outdoors, a "Flannel and Flashlight Campfire" memorial service will be planned at a later date and posted on the funeral home website and on facebook.  Jerry's final resting place will be the Wakita Cemetery where a graveside service is being planned.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to CASA of Denton County or the Wakita Cemetery Association.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW JERRY'S MEMORIAL SERVICE:

Flannel and Flashlights, a celebration of life for Jerry Martin

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Wakita cemetery, Wakita, OK.