John Martin was born in Gainesville, Arkansas, on June 22, 1937, to Leonard and Marie Martin. They moved to Cache Lake, Arkansas, where John attended elementary school. John graduated high school in 1955 from Alfalfa High School in Alfalfa, Oklahoma, attended Southwestern State University Weatherford, Oklahoma, graduating in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. From there he received his master's degree in mathematics from Rutgers University in 1962 and finally a Doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University in 1969!
Dr. John had a distinguished career. Following college, he taught high school mathematics in Colorado and Oklahoma. In 1964, he accepted his first superintendent's position in the Weaver Public Schools District in Frederick, Oklahoma. He was business manager of Stillwater Public Schools from 1966 to 1969 and served as assistant superintendent of the Woodward Public Schools from 1969 to 1971. He was superintendent of Sapulpa Public Schools from 1971 to 1979. He was superintendent of Capital Vo-Tech School in Muskogee, Oklahoma and served in this position until becoming CEO/Superintendent of Southwest Technology Center in Altus, Oklahoma.
John had a tremendous leadership and entrepreneurial influence on the technology center system in Oklahoma, serving on the State of Oklahoma Vocational-Technical Board of Education for 14 years. Concurrently, John served for 10 years on the board of directors of the Ft. Gibson Bank, Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma and served on the advisory board of the National Bank of Commerce, Altus, Oklahoma. John was actively involved in entrepreneurial ventures, and served in leadership roles in School Administration, Chambers, Rotary Clubs, national and state vocational associations, and Small Business Councils. Throughout life, he was an accomplished businessman and professional.
John is survived by his daughter Cammi Misner and husband Kelvin of Sapulpa. He is survived by his son Mark Martin and wife Kim of Ft. Gibson, and stepson Todd Rogers and wife Cindy of Edmond. John's grandsons are Kenner Misner and wife Jamie of Tulsa, Carson Misner and partner Eric Baker of OKC, Kramer Misner of Sapulpa, Seth Martin and wife Cailey of Broken Arrow, and Reece Rogers, Edmond. Great granddaughters Margot, Juliette, Alice, Sylvia Misner and Palmer Martin, coming soon. John was preceded in death by brothers Winston, Erwin, Gerald, Bill, and sisters Evelyn Smithson. Surviving Sister Shirley Bennett of Rogers, Ar., Sister-in-law Patty Martin of Opelika, Al., Brother-in-law Bobby Todd and wife Susan of Conyers, Ga.
John married Kay Rogers and they shared a life full of love and adventure for almost 30 years. It is with a heavy heart we hand John over to his next life but are happy with the knowledge that he brings laughter and love to his new heavenly home. We are encouraged by his idea that nothing truly vanishes but instead transforms and manifests in different ways. John would remind us not to dwell on our losses but to trust that life is an ever-changing cycle of renewal.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to the Southwest Technology Center Foundation, Altus, Oklahoma.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Mathews Funeral Home, Edmond, Oklahoma, on April 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on 'Videos', then 'Live Streams'.