Otis Martin

MARTIN, Otis Carlton, 77, of Chester, died on Monday, February 16, 2009. He was the second of four sons to the late Emmett and Mabel Martin, and was preceded in death by his son, Perry Martin, and grandson, Joseph Martin. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marian Vineyard Martin; his children and their spouses, Wayne and Renée Martin of Chesterfield, Kenneth and Janet Martin of Chesterfield, Mark Martin of Chester, Kevin and Letitia Martin of Chester, Dean and Leona Martin of Chester, and Kristie Martin and Stevan Pullins of Huntington, West Virginia; eight grandchildren, Tony Martin, Michael Martin, Elaine Martin, Adam Martin, Sean Martin, Connor Martin, Alicia Martin, and Evan Martin; one great-granddaughter, Kelti Martin; brother and sister-in law, Don and Judy Martin of Chesterfield; and many other friends and family members. Otis served our country as a member of the United States Navy. He was a prominent and respected member of the Chester and Dutch Gap communities, working for many local businesses that include Dupont, Allied Chemical, Mobile Chemical, Shoosmith Brothers, and W.T. Curd. He owned Amoco and Sunoco service stations, and served as an auxiliary police officer for Chesterfield County. He was also a member of the Melchizedek Priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Otis was well known in the community for his work ethic and integrity, and loved by all for his generosity and the joy he took in life, even when life was at its most difficult. He was quick to laugh and always put others before himself. The personal sacrifices he made for his family throughout his life will always be remembered and appreciated. A funeral service will be held Friday, February 20, 2009 11:00 a.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard with the Bishop Matthew Scott officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Chester, Virginia. The family will receive friends Thursday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital, 2924 Brook Road, Richmond, Va.. 23220 Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.