Martin Charles Courtney of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Thursday, July 12, 2012, at his residence in Blackwell at the age of 60 years.

Martin Charles Courtney was born on January 14, 1952, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Rodney Eugene and Dorris Ilene (Brown) Courtney. As a young boy he moved with his family as his father was transferred in the military. Martin attended Blackwell Public Schools and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1971. While in high school he was active in the DECA and FFA programs. Following his education he began working for the Acme Foundry. He married Joyce Marie Carruth on May 26, 1972, in Blackwell and they just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. In 1973 he began a twenty nine year career with the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad where he worked as a machine operator before advancing to track foreman. Following his retirement from the railroad he managed the Sale Barn Café before working for G and C Concrete in Blackwell. Martin served as a member of the Kay County Fair Board, 4H District Advisory Board and as a 4H volunteer and shooting sports coach. He was selected as the 4H Leader of the Year. He was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as a deacon. He was a member of the Blackwell Elks Lodge #1347 and was a past member of the State Ritual championship team. He enjoyed helping students with their livestock, cooking smoked meats, playing practical jokes on people and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Courtney of Blackwell; a daughter, Jill Ann Courtney of Blackwell; a son, Chad Martin Courtney of Douglas, Oklahoma; his father, Rod Courtney and wife Lorene of Choctaw, Oklahoma; a sister, Connie Zelenka and husband LeRoy of Mustang, Oklahoma; three brothers, Monty Courtney and wife Judy of Edmond, Oklahoma, Les Courtney and wife Kim of Blackwell, and Lynn Courtney and wife Jacque of Blackwell; one sister-in-law, Joquita Wallen of Ponca City, Oklahoma; numerous nephews and nieces and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother;; and his in-laws, Earl and Glenna Carruth; and step father-in-law, Ed Brooks.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Monday, July 16, 2012 in the First Christian Church in Blackwell with Rev. Jeff Koch officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Chad Courtney, Rick Buellesfeld, Lance Bergman, Jeff Wallen, Daron Grossardt, and David Corneil. Honorary Casketbearers will be Mike Gregory, Kent McAninch, John Campbell, Randy Buellesfeld, Ryan Ellis, Dana Colson, Callie Gray, and Mike Ryan.

A memorial has been established in his honor with Martin Courtney Memorial Agricultural Scholarship Fund in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.