Obituary of Kirkland Martin

Kirkland "Carroll" Martin July 03, 1925 - January 06, 2017 Memorial services for Kirkland Carroll Martin, 91, of Lovington, NM will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 2:00 pm at 3rd & Central Church of Christ with David Stewart and Doug Hale officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. Mr. Martin was born on July 3, 1925 in Easterly, Texas to H. Clyde and Velma (Stephens) Martin. Mr. Martin passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on January 6, 2017 in Lovington. Mr. Martin enrolled at Texas A & M University in 1943 working his way through college to earn his degree in Business Administration. He then served the United States of America as a Marine and Naval Medic surviving initial deployment on Iwo Jima being rewarded a Silver Star for his heroics on the battlefield. Upon his return from the War he continued earning his degree as part of the Class of 1946 at Texas A&M and then joined W. R. Barron, at Robertson County Electric Cooperative in Franklin, Texas. In 1952, K. C. Martin was hired as assistant manager at Lea County Electric under General Manager, R.B. Moore. Upon Mr. Moore’s retirement, Mr. Martin was named the General Manager of Lea County Electric and he served on many Boards of Directors including the local Hospital and the College of the Southwest as well as National Boards of The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the Cooperative Utility Financing Corporation. He was a Pioneer in research on Utility Cost of Removal accounting procedures and received accolades from the Rural Electrification Association as well as New Mexico and Texas Public Regulatory Commissions for those efforts. Mr. Martin retired after 43 years but continued to serve as advisor and made numerous recommendations to protect and serve Lea County and the surrounding Counties he so loved and cherished. K. C. Martin married Emma Lou in 1974 and they shared 44 years of life and love together. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Leonard, Calvin and Melton Martin and one sister: Kathryn Marsh. Surviving him is his wife, Emma Lou Martin of Lovington; son: John Bradley and wife MaryBeth Martin of Albuquerque, NM; step-son: Ronnie and wife Kim Harris of Shallowater, TX; two daughters: Shea and husband Joe Chew of Albuquerque, NM and Dianna and husband David Goodwin of Hobbs, NM; five grandchildren: Doug and Duncan DJang, Cody Martin, Teisha O’Brian, DeLane Corbitt, and Tobi Jarrett; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grand child and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, NM 88130-9411 or the 3rd & Central Church of Christ Youth groups.