John Martin

John Ashbury Martin passed away December 15, 2018 in Oklahoma City after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born March 6, 1953 in Bakersfield CA to Charles and Wilma Martin. At a young age he and his siblings moved to Beggs, OK where they were raised by his grandparents George and Ethel Martin. John graduated from Beggs High School and soon joined the US Army. He was stationed in Germany with the 79th Engineer Battalion Co C. During his service he was trained as an electrician which influenced his career choice throughout his life. After his service he settled in Oklahoma City where he earned both his Journeyman and Electrical Contracting License. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 1141. He briefly worked for nuclear Power Plant in Russellville AK. In 1997 he went to work for the FAA where he taught electrical engineering at the Mike Mahoney Aeronautical Center in OKC for the next 5 years. He transferred to Dallas with the FAA and worked as an Air Space Specialist. John was dual certified within his division and received multiple awards thru out his career. One of his proudest awards was when he was honored for his service at the Murrah Building after the OKC bombing in 1995. He and many of his IBEW Brothers were instrumental in establishing power to help support the recovery efforts. John loved life, he could be defined by Family, Friends and Service to Country. He loved OKC Thunder, OU football along with classic, vintage and muscle cars. He beat many an opponent in dart tournaments. He enjoyed trips to western Caribbean with the family and visiting with family in Beggs. Most of all John loved to help others. He would be the first to arrive and the last to leave when friends or family needed him. He was patriotic and proud of his service in the Army. John married Chauri Lee Lobaugh December 29, 1978 in OKC. They had three children Brandon, Kristy and Stacy. He was proud of their achievements in life – nursing, engineering and accounting. During John and Chauri’s marriage she also obtained her nursing degree. He was a proud Papa to his grandchildren, Anthony, Braylon, Arianna, Dylan and Jaxon. When he first became ill in the spring he moved back from Dallas to OKC and grew even closer to the family. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Chauri, children Brandon (NaaAfi), Kristy of OKC and Stacy of Dallas, grandchildren Anthony, Braylon, Arianna, Dylan and Jaxon, mother in law Pasty Lobaugh, Edmond, Brother Sam of Florida, Aunt Jo of Beggs along with multiple other in laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Ethel Martin, parents Charles and Wilma Martin, Uncle Bob, father in law Duane Lobaugh, grandmother in law Reba Lee along with his sister Angeline who died at 3 years old. Services will be Saturday December 22, 2018 1100 am at Corbett Funeral Home in Oklahoma City. At his request his ashes will be spread over the Pacific Ocean near his birthplace. The family would like to thank the health professionals at Integris Hospice House and Dr. Sally Tan for their compassioned care. Also his co-workers from Dallas for their support, visits and friendship. The family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers to OMRF 825 NE 13th Oklahoma City. He will be remembered for the love of his family, willingness to help others and his smile. Rest well John Martin you have earned it. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Martin please visit our Sympathy Store.