Lyle Ellwyn “Marty” Martinie

Lyle Ellwyn “Marty” Martinie of Granbury, Texas passed peacefully into his heavenly home April
26,2020 at Granbury Care Center.

Marty was born December 17, 1932 in Sterling, Illinois to William Merritt, Sr. and Verna Mae
Reynolds Martinie,, Marty was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to everyone.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother, William “Bill” Martinie, Jr., two infant brothers, an infant sister, and son-in-law, Wayne Cox.

He graduated from Atlanta High School in 1950 .

Marty enlisted in the United States Air Force January 21, 1953 and retired as Senior Master Sergeant on April 1, 1973. He served four tours of duty in Vietnam, serving with Air America and Air Rescue.

He was an aircraft mechanic in Florida and Alaska, flight mechanic, aircraft crew chief, chief flight mechanic for the Commander, flight engineer and crew chief for the European Theatre and five different Generals. He received the Bronze Star and five Air Medals for missions in a combat zone, and many acknowledgments for outstanding service and achievements.

In May 2017, he had the privilege to go with DFW Honor Flight 33 to Washington, D.C. with
his son, Dale, as his Guardian. This trip was truly the highlight of his life and was a humbling and
emotional experience. It gave him the thanks, appreciation and honor for his service that had not been received at the end of the Vietnam War.

After serving his country, he made his home in Texas. He was known as the “Jack of all Trades”. He owned a lounge, sold real estate, and had a camper sales and service business. He was the best mechanic around and could take anything apart and fix it and loved doing it. He was always the jokester in the room and loved to tell stories. His laughter, jokes and humor will be missed by many.

Marty and Janice married in November, 2003. It took a year, but Janice finally convinced him it was time to retire. They moved back to Lake Granbury RV Ranch from his home in Weatherford and began their retired life on the road. Travels by RV’s, Motor Homes and his beloved Honda 1800 Goldwing Trike gave them both much joy and happiness. Camping trips with family and friends were many. He made his home in Granbury, where he was a 32nd degree Mason.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janice, sons, Dale Martinie (Dianna) of Crossett, Arkansas, David Martinie (Roxanne) of Uriah, Alabama, Daughters Carol Welch (Bruce) of Prattville, Alabama, Lisa Cox of Pace. Florida. Stepsons, Scott Staton of Jacksonville, Florida, Todd Staton (Rachel) of Sanger, Texas, and Eric Staton (Toni) of Rhome, Texas. Stepdaughters, Kristi Evers (Steve) of Centerton, Arkansas and Debbie Wilson of Fort Worth, Texas. Survived by 22 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. Sister, Jeanne Sampen (Gerald) of Emden, Illinois, sister-in-law, Velva June Martinie, of Morton, Illinois, nieces and nephews and his many special friends at Lake Granbury RV Ranch.

A memorial service and burial at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made in Lyle Martinie’s name to Honor Flight- DFW.