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  • Donald J. and Martha Poindexter Martin are pictured with their children, Donna, Sue, Randy and Patti.

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  • Mr. and Mrs. Donald Martin, 2010

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June 26, 2010

Martins celebrate 65 years of marriage

Submitted

Ada — ADA — Donald J. and Martha Poindexter Martin are celebrating 65 years of marriage.

Don and Martha were high school sweethearts of Russett School, Oklahoma. Martha's family then moved to Bromide, Okla., where Martha graduated at Bromide in 1944 and Don from Russett High School.

Martha was valedictorian of her class and attended East Central College on a scholarship. Don volunteered for military service in the 5th Army Air Force, Dec. 15, 1943, and served in a glider squadron in the southeast Pacific. The couple wrote letters, costing Martha 3 cents while Don could write FREE on his letters.

Don and Martha married July 1, 1945, in Winfield, Kan., while Don was stationed in Missouri. He took a train to Winfield, but was delayed as a trestle was washed out. His telegram read, "Water-bound in Pauline." The repair was soon complete and he made his destination.

After the wedding, the couple lived at Sedalia Air Force Base in Missouri. Six weeks later, Martha returned to East Central College in Ada and Don joined her after his honorable discharge on Nov. 15, 1945.

Martha graduated from East Central with a Bachelor of Science and Master's degrees in education. Don earned his B.S. at ECU and a master's from the University of Oklahoma.  They taught two years at Atlanta, Kan., then taught 28 years in Tishomingo Public Schools. Martha also taught in Mannsville for three years before serving 25 years at Tishomingo Elementary School. She was a Sunday School teacher, G.A. leader, young women's leader, women's missionary leader, Vacation Bible School and Falls Creek sponsor.

Don spent five years as elementary principal in Tishomingo, 10 years as county superintendent of schools, 12 years at Murray State College as financial aids director and dean of students. He was a charter member of Tishomingo Lion's Club and served as district governor. He also served as president of East Central Teacher's Association and was a deacon at First Baptist Church, Tishomingo.

The Martins moved to Ada Baptist Village in 1992 and are members of First Baptist Church of Ada where Don has been a deacon and Martha serves as a substitute Sunday School teacher. They both sing in the senior adult choir and were Mission Service volunteers to Cherenosy, Ukraine. Don and Martha attend many activities at Ada Baptist Village and are members of Retired Educators of Pontotoc County.

The Martins have four children: Donna and Lannie Hudson, Dayton, Ohio; Sue and Mel Young, Denton, Texas; Randy and Lisa Martin, Norman; and Patti and Bruce Bonar, Ada. The Martins have 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

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Anniversaries