Thompson Funeral ChapelLarry & Teri Martin
Mr. Larry Van Martin, Sr.
SUNRISE: 03/11/1949 – SUNSET: 04/17/2023
Born: Edwardsville, Illinois, to the deceased parentage of the late Mr. Arthur Robert Martin Sr. and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Martin.
Less than 48 hours of Larry’s passing, his beautiful Bride Teri, of 40 beautiful & blissful years, joined him in Heaven.
Mrs. Teri Ellain Martin
SUNRISE: 02/13/1960 – SUNSET: 04/19/2023
Born: Dallas, Georgia, to the deceased parentage of the late Mr. Talmadge J. Thomason and Ms. Rebecca J. Dickson.
Larry was educated in the public school system where he attended Manuel School in Denver, Colorado. After High School he joined the U.S. Air Force; his tours of duties included: Guam – Okinawa, Japan, Edwards Air Force Base – California, Ramstein Air Force Base – Germany and Elgin Air Force Base – Florida. Larry civilian employment: Larry worked at the Logan school for many years prior to the completion of 21 years of faithful employment for the Temple Sinai, he retired and moved his family to Phoenix Arizona, a couple years later moved to Denver Colorado, where they spent most of their lives before moving to Tucson Arizona 11 years ago.
Larry loved sports; he received the nickname “Re-Run” while playing football for the U.S. Air Force. He was a 4th and 5th girls basketball coach for many years and that he was a big advocate for women’s sports. His love for music was equally important, especially Earth Wind and Fire. As children we heard countless stories about his 2 special School friends that became famous – Honorable mention – Mr. Phillip Bailey, Earth Wind & Fire and Ms. Pam Grier, Actress. Larry loved to travel, he was an excellent provider for his Family, I must mention; every summer we made a cross country family trip for 30 days.
Larry was preceded in death by sisters and brothers Carol Higgins, Audrey Hicks, Judy Martin, William (Bobby), Peggy Henderson and Sherry Harris.
They are survived by their BLENDED FAMILY: (Six Children), Lena Jackson, Larry Martin Jr, Latonya Davis, Terry Martin (Candi), Pinkey Martin and Natasha Brown (Lance), Teri’s brother Kenneth J. Thomason; 27 Grandchildren 20 Great Grands and a Host of Nieces and Nephews and Friends. Special Friend Ms. Diane Martin.
Teri was educated in the public school system in Georgia. After high school, she was a Homemaker. Teri was a loving, fun, a high-spirited human being, sharp mind, great memory, very smart and could remember everyone’s birthday. Literally everyone!! She was an avid reader, approximately 100 books a year. She loved to watch her grandchildren, watch game shows, and sports with her favorite teams being the Georgia Bull Dogs, Denver Nuggets, and the Denver Broncos. Teri and Larry would watch General Hospital every day at 1pm and you had to be quiet at that time, they were not playing about watching their soap. Then she would call up Diane who also watched it and they would try and predict what was going to happen next. This conversation happened on the daily. Sundays were always her favorite day, as she would always say its “Margarita Sunday” at Dee’s house and brag about all the foods that Dee was cooking for them to munch on. They’d listen to some oldies, rhythm and blues, jazz and just laugh and relax. Her grandchildren always confided in her, especially if they got in trouble or needed help with homework. I believe she helped everyone with homework and assignments at some point in our lives. Teri always loved to tell stories of when she was younger and talk about her party days with her bestie Diane Martin and how they were living the good life. She was introduced by Diane to my dad 40 years ago!! They married on 11/04/1983. They enjoyed traveling. Every summer they would go places like Disneyland, Disneyworld, San Diego, etc… Wonderful memories were made.
A poem for both:
Family Tree
Two limbs have fallen from the family tree we hear a voice that whispers, “Grieve not for us
Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs
The good we lived while we were strong
Continue our heritage, We are counting on you.
Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through.
Our minds are at ease, our souls is at rest
Remember all… how we were truly blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small
Go on with your lives, don’t stare at the walls
We miss you all dearly so keep up your chin
Until that fine day we’re together again.
A Poem for Mom:
If Roses Grow in Heaven
If Roses grow in Heaven Lord
Please pick a bunch for me.
place them in my mother’s arms
and tell her they are from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her
and when she turns to smile
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for a while.
because remembering her is easy,
I do it everyday
But there is an ache within my heart
that will never go away.
I love you mom
A Poem for Dad:
Sometimes
I can’t believe Dad
that you have actually gone,
yet, you’ve left me with
an inner strength
to build my life upon.
You’ve always left good memories
which within my heart I hold,
that no one can ever take away
for I treasure them like gold.
So dear Dad sleep peacefully
you’re in my every thought,
and I feel such thankfulness
for all the happiness you brought.
Love you Dad
Special Thanks:
From Blended Family Sisters & Brothers
Special Thanks to Our Beloved
Brittney and Sister LaTonya for keeping a watchful eye, cooking, cleaning and Loving our Parents when we needed them most.
Service Information:
A memorial service will be eld at 9AM on Friday, May 19 at Thompson Funeral Chapel.