Carroll C. Martin Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Carroll Clark Martin, Sr., 93, of Elkins, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at his daughter’s home in Fairmont, West Virginia. He was born December 11, 1924 in Montrose, West Virginia the fourth son of Homer and Amaretta Clark Martin. He attended school in Montrose and Elkins. After graduating from Elkins High School in 1942 he furthered his education at Potomac State College majoring in Journalism. To avoid the draft he enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent 3 years during World War II finishing with the rank of Lieutenant. Mr. Martin spent time working at the Pentagon and later joined the reserves for an additional 2 year stint in the Navy. He furthered his education at WVU graduating in 1949 with a BA degree in pre-Med. He finished up his education graduating in 1952 with a BS in pharmacy from the WVU School of Pharmacy. Seeking work in the pharmacy field he immediately accepted a position at a chain of drug stores in Charleston. This job lasted only 6 months as he joined the Cook Drug Company where he was mentored by renowned West Virginia pharmacist, Dr. Roy Bird Cook. In 1956 he was recruited by the Eli Lilly Drug Company as part of their pharmaceutical sales team. His focus was traveling from city to city informing doctors of the benefits of the use of Lilly Insulin. On a return trip to Elkins he filled in as pharmacist for Bob Mlekush who owned and operated the Family Drug Store at that time. This led to his 1959 purchase of the Family Drug Store along with John Drew Blackburn as co-owner. They enjoyed this partnership for almost 32 years selling the business in 1990. While operating the drugstore he worked and consulted for the Huttonsville Correctional Center, Barbour County Good Samaritan Center as well as Nella’s Inc. in Elkins. He served two terms on the Randolph County Board of Education from 1967 to 1975. At various times during his professional career he was an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the United Way. He was a member of the Osiris Temple Shrine and served on the Mason Crickard Scholarship Committee at West Virginia Wesleyan College. As a Civil War buff, he spent much time working for and with the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation. He received many awards in his life time such as the Tree Farmer award and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the WVU School of Pharmacy. However, he was most proud of his award for “Yard of the Month” from the Emma Scott Garden Club. Mr. Martin was passionate about helping people. As a pharmacist he was able to treat customers for common ailments, diagnose veterinary concerns, and reach out to those in need. He was always looking to fulfill a need. His visions to stay one step ahead led him to install the first computerized pharmacy in Randolph County. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, fishing, researching genealogy and reading books about the Civil War. He could tell you all there was to know about President Lincoln. He was a loyal West Virginia University Mountaineer fan. However, his most favorite place to be was hiking the hills on the Martin family farm in Montrose, West Virginia. On March 12, 1960, in Elkins, he married the love of his life, Joan Carder Martin who preceded him in death. Also, preceding him in death were 4 brothers, Roscoe Russell, Ersel Edward, Homer Delmar, and Robert (Bob) Grant. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Opal June and Fern Hope Graves. He is survived by one brother, Donald Paul a resident at Colonial Place in Elkins. Also, surviving are his three children, Carroll “Clark” Martin, Jr., of Elkins, Sarah Polk Kane (Roger) of Seaford, Delaware and Laura Joan Davison (Jerry) of Fairmont, West Virginia. He is also survived by his twin grandchildren, Spencer Carder Kane and Olivia VanDyke Kane and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Wednesday, January 10th, 2018 at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, January 11th, from the funeral home chapel with Pastor Junius Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain State Memorial Gardens at Gilman where full military honors will be accorded by members of the United States Navy Honor Guard, HW Daniels Post 29 American Legion and Tygart Valley Post 3647 Veterans of Foreign War. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation, P. O. Box 227, Beverly, WV 26253, Alzheimer’s Association Northern Regional Office, 1299 Pineview Drive, Suite 3, Morgantown, WV 26505, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Erie Shriners, 1645 W 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 or to the WVU Foundation, WVU School of Pharmacy, Fund 3Z668, PO Box 165, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650 in memory of Carroll. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Carroll Clark Martin, Sr. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Carroll C. Martin Sr.

December 11, 1924 - January 4, 2018