Ernest Martin Obituary

Ernest Vassel Martin, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Special Forces ("Green Berets") died Wednesday, 28 October 2015 in Colorado Springs, CO. He is survived by his two daughters, Marjorie Martin of NYC and Michelle Martin of Centreville, VA.; a brother Grover Martin of Amarillo, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and mentees whom he considered his extended children. He was devoted to Johnnie Ruth Brown Martin, his wife of 62 years, whom he lovingly tended for 13 years as she fought breast cancer and a severe stroke. She predeceased him in 2012.

He was born on 12 July 1924 on the campus of what is now known as Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), TX, where his father taught industrial education. He interrupted his college studies to enlist, in the Army during WWII, but later returned to get his B.S. in Biology.

Commissioned in 1950, his 27-year career as a paratrooper in the Infantry saw service in the Korean War and two tours in Viet Nam. A disciplined, but compassionate leader, many of "his troops" kept in contact with him until the day he died.

Following his military retirement, he sold real estate for many years. His clients adored his patience and thorough knowledge; he frequently would award the new homeowner with a home-cooked turkey.

His strong sense of service involved him in the local community, his church, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the PVAMU Alumni Association, and as mentor for untold numbers of teenagers and military service members at Ft. Carson and the US Air Force Academy. He and his wife enjoyed dancing and playing bridge. He loved fishing, gardening and supporting nature conservation. Friends greatly appreciated his cooking and barbecuing. He attributed his long life to eating his own nutritious cooking, and a single shot of Wild Turkey on the rocks each evening.

A firm believer in education, he and his wife established the "Ernest V. and Johnnie R. Martin Scholarship Endowment" through the University. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Endowment: Online: <PVAMU.edu> (follow links to 'online donations') -- By Post: Prairie View A&M University; Office of Development; POB 519 - MS 1200; Prairie View, TX 77446

The viewing will be at Angelus Funeral Home, 1104 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, on Friday, 6 November, 4:00-6:00 pm. Funeral services will be at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 5485 Alegre Drive in Fountain, CO on Saturday, 7 November at 11 am, with repast following services. Instead of interment, Ernest is donating his body to scientific research.

Condolences and memories may be shared with family by visiting www.angelusfuneraldirectors.com