Obituary

Dr. John david martin, 93, of clarksburg, wv, passed away on saturday, december 20, 2014, at hubbard hospice house in charleston, wv. He was born in enterprise, w.Va. On march 21, 1921, to jasper levi and lelia kuhn martin. He was preceded in death in 2006, by betty jean wisser martin, his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 63 years.
His family and friends will remember him as a devoted husband, father and quintessential family man who would be the first to say that he had lived a wonderful, long life. He was a true gentleman who treated others with respect and kindness while conducting himself with dignity and distinction in both his professional and personal life. Throughout his years he could often be heard singing or humming tunes in his rich baritone voice.

Dr. Martin graduated from shinnston high school in 1939, attended west virginia university and was a proud graduate of west virginia wesleyan college in 1943. Following college graduation, he enlisted in the u.S army air forces and earned a dental degree at loyola university of new orleans school of dentistry on a military scholarship. He and betty jean wisser were married on october 30, 1943, in new orleans. They enjoyed a wonderful time together in new orleans and often returned there over the years for class reunions.

In 1951, during the korean war he was called up to service in the united states air force for two years, serving at patrick afb in florida, and eielson afb near fairbanks, ak, providing dental care to military personnel. He appreciated the beauty of the alaskan territory and enjoyed sharing his many photo slides of his time there with family and friends. Following the service to his country, he returned to clarksburg to practice general dentistry for many years. Over nearly fifty years in practice, he earned great admiration from his patients, as well as his colleagues.

Dr. Martin was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his friends and family for much of his life. He also enjoyed the kentucky derby and had box seats near the finish line for many years. He was a devoted wvu football and basketball fan and season ticket holder for decades. He strongly believed in the value of education and provided continual encouragement to his children and grandchildren to follow their dreams. In later years, his greatest joy was spending time with his four children, their spouses, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His love, encouragement and, above all, his keen sense of humor will be fondly remembered by all.

He is survived by his wife and loving companion of 5 years, dolores gribble martin; sons john david (barbara) martin, ii of bridgeport, wv, and edward “ted” (julie) martin of charleston, wv; daughters susan (henry “skip”) watson of lexington, ky and cindy (david) bricker of bluffton, sc; sister martha jean franz of west chester, pa; grandchildren douglas (kathy) and curtis martin, patrick and thad watson, laura watson (joe) miller, kate bricker (jeffrey) white, erin bricker (martin) zarate, and megan bricker, and jordan and tyler martin; great-grandchildren avery and austin white, and parker and miles zarate. His great-granddaughter lucy isadore white preceded him in death.
Dr. Martin was a member of the first united methodist church in clarksburg and the american and west virginia dental associations. A private family memorial service will be held on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to hospicecare, 1606 kanawha blvd., w., charleston, wv 25387, or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family using the “send condolences” button above. Barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston has been entrusted with the arrangements.