David Charles Martin of Peckham, Oklahoma, died early Sunday morning, February 27, 2011, at his home with his family by his bedside. He was 54 years old.

He was born on November 14, 1956, at Blackwell General Hospital in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Edwin (Bud) and Margaret (Peggy) Martin. David's early growing-up years were spent near and in Peckham, later attending Blackwell High School and Pioneer Area Vo-Tech, graduating in May of 1975. During his senior year in high school he spent many weekends and evenings helping his dad and other family members build their new home in Peckham. Following high school he worked as a carpenter in home construction, as an assembler at Cessna at Strother Field, as a butcher for his father-in-law at Snow White Market, and as a driver for Borden's. Eventually, he returned to working in the aircraft industry, first at Boeing and most recently Spirit Aerosystems until he no longer was able to work after being diagnosed with cancer in May 2008.
Both David and Tammy were involved for many years in the life of the Blackwell First Church of the Nazarene. Forever a child at heart, he found many blessings in working with the youth, no matter their age. One of the highlights of his work with the youth was taking a group of young boys camping along the creek behind his parents' house where they made many memories as they camped and cooked over an open fire. In his fellowship with other Christian men, he attended many Promise Keeper conferences, including "Standing in the Gap" in Washington, DC. He also attended and became involved in the activities of The Walk To Emmaus where he made an abundance of close Christian friends. At the time of his death he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara (Tammy) Martin of the home in Peckham; daughter, Tara and husband Todd Gricol of Charlotte, NC; son, Ryan and wife Amanda Martin of Ponca City; sisters, Marilyn Martin of Jenks; Barbara and J.D. Smith of Newkirk; Mary and Loren Johns of Peckham; Dayna and Adam Jordan of Alva; brother, Jim and Ronda Martin of Newkirk; grandchildren, Eleanor and Harrison Gricol and Charles Martin; mother-in-law, Louise Owens of Blackwell; brothers-in-law, Robert Owens of Blackwell; Terry and Kelli Owens of Collinsville; sisters-in-law, Lisa and Scott Smith of Nardin; Devra and Jeff Byers of Blackwell; nieces, Lynn and Ross Doane of Medford; Sheila and Matt Connelly of Ponca City; Jill and T.J. Rockenbach of St. John, KS; Amy and Aaron Swartz of Ponca City; Jamie Owens of Stillwater; Ashley Smith of Oklahoma City; Melissa and Brian Hopson of Edmond; Megan Smith of Edmond; Jennifer Smith of Nardin; Kinze Byers of Blackwell; Addison Byers of Blackwell; nephews, Joshua and Shantel Johns of Blackwell; Blake Jordan of Alva; Seth Jordan of Alva; Tyrel and Laura Owens of Tulsa; Owen Smith of Stillwater; Jake Smith of Nardin; Jacob Owens of Collinsville; Christopher Owens of Collinsville; Vance Byers of Blackwell; numerous great-nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Claude Owens; and nephew Eric Johns.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 4th in the First United Methodist Church in Newkirk with the Rev. James C. Hollifield and Rev. Andy Teston officiating.

Serving as honorary casketbearers will be Mark Hunget, Leroy Seamster, Joe Essford, Oscar Russell, Mike Dean, Monty Hendricks, Pat Spillers, Ben Wilson, David Roths, Jim Tickel, Dusty Eckert, Kris Mapel, Rev. Cliff Johnson, Rev. Bill Kalfas and Rev. Jeff Koch.

The family will greet visitors on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Public visitation will end Wednesday evening.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Hospice of North Central Oklahoma in care of Roberts Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.