Obituaries

Leon Martin was born on March 1st, 1939 in Lillie, Louisiana, the

4th of 8 children born to the loving union of Nathan Martin, Sr. and

Ella Mae Hawthorn. When Leon was 8, the family moved to

Smackover, Arkansas, where he continued school. He attended the

First Baptist Church where he taught bible summer and Sunday

school. An athletic student, Leon was captain of his high school

football team.

After high school, Leon enlisted in the United States Army as part

of Company E, 1st Battalion, 2d Training Regiment and was

stationed in Korea and Seattle, Washington.

After being honorably discharged, Leon relocated to Detroit,

Michigan where he then met his future lovely wife, Joan (neé

Ogletree), in 1964. They were married on October 1, 1966.

Leon attended college at the University of Detroit, graduating with

a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Leon enjoyed many

years working in the field, including his role as an administrator of

the City of Detroit Health Department.

In his free time, Leon enjoyed playing tennis, playing cards, staying

current on news and events, and spending time with his many

friends and family. Leon stayed in touch with many classmates over

the years and was the speaker at many high school reunions.

On January 13th, 2023 Leon transitioned from this earth with his

family at his bedside.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Flossie

Purifoy, Nathan Martin Jr., Perry Martin, Lucille Macadoo, and

Albert Martin. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of

56 years, Joan, his daughters Toni Maiden and Crystal Barrow

(Darrell), his son Anthony Martin, his grandchildren Dylan and Nia

Barrow, his sister Jimmie Dell Calloway, and a host of other

relatives and friends.

A private homegoing service was held for Leon on January 16, 2023.