Lavell Martin

Send Flowers Lavell Martin January 3, 1924 - December 8, 2013 Abner Lavell Martin, 89 of Central passed away December 8, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family. Lavell was born January 3, 1924 to Joseph Abner & Mary Ann Jenkins Martin. He was one of eleven children and gained two step-sisters later in life. In his youth, he was a hard worker and learned many skills while employed at the old Central Market. Lavell was proud of his working years as a cotton ginner, owning the Corner Market grocery store in Safford, boiler operator at Magma Copper and his life as a farmer-rancher in the San Pedro Valley near Mammoth. He served in the US Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries in France. In his spare time he loved his grandchildren, playing the harmonica, gardening, lapidary work and silversmithing. Lavell married Nadine Layton in 1942 and 10 children were born of this union (and not a bad one in the bunch). After Nadines passing in 1992, Lavell married Laree Richardson Herbert, which brought 4 stepsons into the family for a total of 14 children. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions in the church. His favorite calling was serving in the Mesa Temple for 7 years, 3 1/2 with Nadine and 3 1/2 with Laree. Lavell is survived by his children; Verdean (Robert) Smith, Cindy (David) Carter, Grant Martin, Emma (Jon) Batty, Nada (Jimmy) Spurgeon, Pearl Hernandez, Velda (Darvel) Green, Jim (Liz) Martin, Brent (Jan) Martin, and Fred (Sherry) Martin; and stepsons, Ron Herbert, Spencer Herbert, Brent (Diane) Herbert; siblings; Elaine Dallas, James (Margie) Martin, Phil (Kay) Martin, Marva Bryce, Russell (Ina) Martin, and Merna Hubbard; 70 grandchildren, 159 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his spouses, Nadine and Laree; stepson, Terry Herbert; his parents; and siblings; Hoyt, Hugh Butch, Alvin, Erma, Farrel and Kay Fyffe. A viewing will be conducted Friday, December 13, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Caldwell Funeral Chapel in Safford and again one hour prior to services on Saturday. Funeral Services will be Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Old Central LDS Chapel. Interment to follow at the Central Cemetery. Military Honors to be provided by the Gila Valley Honor Guard. Facts Born: January 3, 1924 Place of Birth: Central, AZ Death: December 8, 2013 Place of Death: Central, AZ Organizations: Farmer/ Rancher Guestbook Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook. Services Viewing Friday December 13, 2013, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Caldwell Funeral Chapel Click for Map and Directions A viewing will begin one hour prior to services at 1:00 p.m. at the Old Central LDS Chapel. Funeral Service Saturday December 14, 2013, 2:00 PM at Central LDS Church Click for Map and Directions A viewing will begin one hour prior to services at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at the Central Cemetery.