John Philip Martin's Obituary
John Philip Martin passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 92, on June 24, 2025, in Tulsa, OK.
John was born in Denver, CO, on May 28, 1933 to James Martin and Elizabeth Schlegal. John met his wife, Betty, on a blind date arranged by his brother Jim. When Jim showed John a yearbook page with a picture of his blind date on it, John correctly chose Betty and said she was the woman he would marry. His prediction proved true, and John married his “gorgeous creature” and love of his life on October 8, 1958, in Norman, OK. John graduated from Tulsa Central HS in 1951. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Oklahoma in 1955. While at OU he pursued his love of tennis and lettered in tennis for four years. It was on a tennis court that John felt God call him to believe in him, and there he gave his life to Jesus. John served his country in the US Army 1st Airborne division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in the hospital pharmacy from 1956 to 1958. He returned to Tulsa and pursued a Master in Business at the University of Tulsa where he met his future wife. John spent most of his adult life as a pharmacist in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, OK. He started out working with his father and brother at Martin’s pharmacy which had several Tulsa locations and “was never closed to the sick”. John was always ready with a pun or short joke to brighten a customer’s day. He was granted a Doctor in Pharmacy before he retired from pharmacy in 2002.
John attended Dallas Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Theology in 1967. John loved his time at Dallas as it laid the foundation for years of knowing, trusting and serving Jesus. Following his time in Dallas, John helped start Grace Bible Church in Muskogee, OK and pastored there until 1969. He also served as a youth pastor at Tulsa Bible Church. Through the years, John served several churches by filling the pulpit during times of need and teaching Sunday school classes, etc.
John was passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with others. He was always ready with a joke or kind comment, and He would frequently hand out a tract, scripture calendar or Gideon Bible. He participated in the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship throughout many decades of his life in different capacities. John enjoyed his time serving as a hospice volunteer. He participated in short term mission trips but saw his primary role as a supporter. He faithfully supported missions and missionaries throughout his life, but he found the most joy in
supporting his wife, children and grandchildren in their ministries.
John was preceded in death by his parents, James Martin and Elizabeth Schlegal; his beloved wife of 49 years, Betty Hopkins Martin; and his older brother Jim Martin.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carlene Martin of Overland Park, Kansas; his son, Phil Martin and wife Donna; his daughters, Carol Thomas and husband Ed; Donna Coffey and husband Jason; Joanie Coleman and husband Aaron. He is also survived by his fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
John will be remembered for his kind, faithful, servant’s heart, his devotion to his Savior and his family, and for the many smiles and sometimes groans that his many jokes evoked.
There will be a service celebrating the life of John on Wednesday, July 2nd at 10:00 AM at Eden Mennonite Church 21905 E 600 Rd. Inola, OK. John’s earthly body was laid to rest at Floral Haven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Northeast Oklahoma https://cefneok.com
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