Malcolm "Punkie" A. Martin

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Malcolm "Punkie" A. Martin, 95, who passed away on February 7, 2017 at 1:34AM at his residence. Reverend Joel Faulk will conduct the funeral service. Burial will take place in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery. "Punkie", a resident of Lafayette, was the son of the late Sidney Martin and the former Mabel Whitmeyer. At the age of 16, Mr. Martin made his way to Washington D.C. to work as a Page at the White House. He then voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army. While on leave, he met the love of his life, Ruby Bridges, at a Valentine’s Day dance. Ruby and Malcolm married on November 12, 1943 and left for Ft. Benning, GA that same day. Mr. Martin served as an airborne paratrooper. He later became a Jump Master and eventually achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. Malcolm was a combat veteran and proudly served his country in the storied 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles" during World War II. He received numerous military honors and service citations, including the Master Parachutist Badge, Glider Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and other military awards. Mr. Martin's military career concluded with him being issued an Honorable Discharge. After leaving the service, he became a licensed mortician and held his license until the age of 94. Mr. Martin decided to try his luck in the oilfield, and he and his wife founded Martin Pipe Company in 1968 which is still in operation today. Mr. Martin also served on the Board of Directors for Hub City Bank, Bank of Lafayette, and CODOFIL. Mr. Martin was an avid sportsmen, adventurer, traveler and daredevil. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ruby Bridges Martin; children, Daniel F. Martin and wife Frances, Carolyn Martin, Kathie Martin Jones and husband George; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; sister, Mabel "Phooney" Martin; brother, J.P. Martin; godchild, Charlene Bourque; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, James "Jimmy" Allen Martin; infant son, George Martin; two sisters, Rona Benoit and Doris Nichols; brother-in-law, Billy Bolton; and sister-in-law Zoe Marie Bridges Bolton. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Bertrand on Friday, February 10, 2017 from 10:00AM to 1:45PM. Honored to serve as Pallbearers will be Kyle Naomi (grandson), Robert Martin (grandson), Ryan Martin (grandson), Danny Martin, Joshua S. Guillory, and George Jones. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Walter B. Comeaux, John W. Arceneaux, Dr. John Martin, Ron Naomi, Ray Robichaux, and Don Breaux. Personal condolences may be sent to the Martin family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank Mr. Martin's Caregivers, Rella Handy, Michelle Clay, and Sophia Francis for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation In Mr. Martin's honor to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503 or on their website at http://www.hospiceacadiana.com/. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Malcolm "Punkie" A. Martin

January 9, 1922 - February 7, 2017