Obituary of Ira Willie Martin

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Ira Willie Martin, Sr. on February 24, 1933 in Terrell, Texas when he was born to Johnny Martin and Lula Johnson. He had one brother, Billie and three sisters, Bobbie, Jewell and Beverly. From April 30, 1953 to April 6, 1955, Ira proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and Missouri. Ira's final rank was Pvt. First Class. Having served with honor and distinction, he was given an Honorable Discharge from the Army and a grateful nation at the end of his active duty. On January 14, 1957, Ira was united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Edith Irene Wright in Denver, Colorado where he had moved at the end of his military obligation. He was a great provider and loving father. He was successful in business and always called her "Mama". To this union were born two beautiful children; son, Ira, Jr. "Marty" daughter, Stacey. Marty recalls, "Dad would say, "Two for me and one for you (inside joke)". Stacey remembers Ira saying, "Don't be weak." In later years, his grandchildren, Justin and Jordon were a special source of joy and pride in his life. They remember "Papa" would say, "Beauty fades and dumbness lasts forever." He loved them dearly, as they did him. A man of faith, Ira was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church for over ten years. An energetic entrepreneur, Ira was the owner of Duke's Bar and Grill, Martin's Grocery and Martin Trucking. His intelligent business skills and dedication to excellence made them all successful enterprises. He was known for honesty, integrity and hard work. Ira enjoyed sharing quality time with his family and friends. He also loved playing dominoes, Bid Whist and joking with son Marty. His best friends were Russell Anderson and Dr. Evie "Big Red" Dennis. He was also close to his relatives, Beverly Jones, Anita Thompson and Willie Davis. Words or phrases that could be used to describe Ira are "Don't feed him". Every time "Tap" would eat he would go to sleep. He was known for arguing over politics while eating saltine crackers and who could make the best barbeque sauce, Ira or "Sam" Bishop. Ira was often heard to say, "My truck is in Nebraska". He loved to watch Bishop T. D. Jakes on television. His love, sense of humor, infectious smile and caring nature will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have been a part of this wonderful man's life. To know Ira was to love him. The sun set on the life of Mr. Ira Willie Martin, Sr. on May 12, 2017 when the Lord called him home to eternal rest. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Billie Martin and sisters, Bobbie Jamison and Jewell Davis. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of sixty years, Edith Martin of Denver, CO; son, Ira "Marty" (Delores) Martin, Jr. of Parker, CO; daughter, Stacey (Elmer) Martin-Winters of Washington, DC; sister, Beverly Jones of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Justin R. Schultz and Jordon A. Schultz, both of Denver, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rest in peace...Ira