Donald Ray Martin

Donald Ray Martin, Sr., age 72, of Pisgah Road, Princeton, WV, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Beckley. Born on September 14, 1941 in Princeton, he was a son of the late Vesper and Faye Hill Martin. He had been a lifelong resident of Princeton and was a member of the Painter United Methodist Church in Lerona. He was a veteran of the US Navy and was a member of the DAV and Vietnam Veterans. He was a member of the Mercer County Honor Guard and also served as a volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Beckley. He was a retired truck driver from Lowes and had formerly worked for Bailey Lumber Company. He volunteered at the Northfork Rescue Squad. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Rose Martin; and 6 siblings, Kenneth and Robert Martin, Grant Vest, Emogene Via, Delilah Ammons and Leah Foster. Survivors include: Wife: Phyllis Hunnell Martin of the home 3 sons: Donald Ray Martin, Jr. of Princeton Ricky Joe Martin of NC David Neal Martin of Green Valley 3 daughters: Delores Fay Mathena and husband Joe of Princeton Lula Chandler and husband Michael of Beckley of WV Jessica Martin of Richmond, VA 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren 4 brothers: Eugene Martin and wife Tina of Beckley Arnold Martin and wife Sharon of Medford, OR Matthew Martin and wife Jeane of Hayes, KA Ivan Martin of Athens, WV 4 sisters: Janet Simmons and JD of Conway, NC ` Patricia Brown and Jackie of Princeton Mary Gullion and Landon of Dandridge, TN Joyce Sloan of Princeton Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 11:0 0AM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Rev. David Damewood officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Military honors will be performed by the Mercer County Honor Guard. Friends may call on Sunday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.