Alfred Lewis Martin, 94, of Pelham passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Navarro Regional Hospital. He was born Sept. 15, 1923 in Pelham, Navarro County to the parentage of Lewis and Holly Caruthers Martin. After finishing his formal education, Alfred transferred to active duty Aug. 23, 1943 in the Army/Air Force. He did his training at Kearns, Utah assigned to third army, then re-assigned to the AAF with the 2143 B.U. Tuskegee, Alabama. He served as an Air Force mechanic for the Tuskegee Airmen. He served as Trouble Shooter and Flight Chief for Radio Communication in advance training. He was awarded Good Conduct Medal, Medal for Outstanding Solider in third Army in Europe and the Victory Medal.

Alfred was assigned to training school for replacements to the Negro Fighting Units, pursuit squadron. On Feb. 22, 1946 he was honorable discharged as a first Sgt. After moving to California he purchased and operated a gas station. Alfred returned home to Pelham and was a farmer and rancher for 60 plus years. He served on various agriculture committees and boards including the Seed & Grain Committee for the State of Texas.

He loved Pelham and served as the chairman of the Pelham Community Association for many years. He was instrumental in getting land donated to the Pelhem Cemetery.

Alfred was awarded Farmer of the year in 1984 by the Corsicana Rotary Club; Vice President of Texas Cotton Program; Navarro Pest Management Association in 1997.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Dr. Laurie Martin Gunter, Vernis Martin Hudgins, Marilyn Martin and one grandson, Jelani Alfred Martin-Lewis.

Alfred leaves to cherish his memories wife Rose Marie Martin of Pelham; children Evonne Martin of Lancaster, California and Dr. Cheryl Jackson and husband Al of Palm Spring, California; step-children Evette Stephens and Alonda Simon both of California; grandchild Lasha Cooper; brother Jay Perry Martin and wife, Christine of Dallas; nieces Elaine Bonow and Margo Toner both of Seattle, Washington and Patricia Williams of Houston, Billy Hudgins of Houston, Jason Martin of Seattle, Washington and Jordan Martin of Dallas; brother-in-law William King of Los Angeles, California along with other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2018 at Scott Funeral Home in Corsicana.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Second Mission Baptist Church with Jim Martin officiating and Riley Caruthers as eulogist.

Interment to follow in Pelham Community Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mike Heiskell; Sandy Caruthers, Jordan Martin, Billy Hudgins, Ralph Porter, Brice Porter and Ray Sweeney.

Honorary pallbearers include J.B. Porter, Bernard Porter, Sr., Bernard Porter, Jr. and Frank Graham.