Mr. Joseph Thornton Martin

Joseph Thornton Martin, 76 passed away from this life peacefully on December 26, 2015 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on February 19, 1939 in Pascagoula, MS where he was a lifelong resident, and member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Harriet B. Martin, his daughters Robin (Doug) Tait and Harriet Lynn Merrill (Bruce Kines). He is also survived his sisters Barbara (Jimmy) Green, Shirley (Tommy) Rasmussen, Pat (Danny) Smith, and sister-in-law Margaret Martin, his grandchildren Sarah (Steve) Tolbert, B.J. (Nikki) Mazingo, Claire (Phillip) Turner, Haley Tait, Danny (Lauren) Merrill, Brandon (Crystal) Merrill, Beverly (Jason) Nelson, 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Martin, Sr., brother Charles Martin Jr., sisters Mary Phillips, Frances West, Ann Martin, daughter Susie Mazingo, and granddaughter Becky Mazingo. He was a 1957 PHS graduate and in the marine reserves for 8 years. He began working as a coppersmith apprentice at Ingalls Shipyard in 1958 and retired after 42 years in 2000 from a position in the engineering department. He married the love of his life on June 13, 1959 and started building his life as a loving father and family man. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, camping, boating, and spending time with his grandchildren, especially his little buddy, Austin. He was a fun-loving, charismatic man, and always had a big grin on his face, as he always had something up his sleeve. Visitation will be Monday December 28,2015 from 6:00pm to 8:00 at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS with a rosary be recited at 7:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday December 29, 2015 at 10:00 am with a visitation beginning at 9:00am from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula, MS. Father Mike Kelleher will be officiating. Pallbearers: Phillip Turner, B.J. Mazingo, Buzzy Largilliere, Ed Martin, Mike Martin, and Michael Martin. Honorary Pallbearers: Steve Sweeting, Howard Tanner, Howard Seab, Billy Ray Krebs. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Williamson, Dr. Hull, the Regional Cancer Center, and to the hospice nurses and staff of Hospice of Light. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church building fund. You may sign the online register book and send condolences for Mr. Martin at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS is in charge of the arrangements.

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Mr. Joseph Thornton Martin

February 19, 1939 - December 26, 2015