In Memoriam: Thomas C. Martin of Martin Oil Company

It is with great sadness that PPA announces the passing of Thomas Charles Martin of Martin Oil Company. Tom’s obituary can be found here. The PPA extends it most heartfelt sympathy to the Martin family during this difficult time.

Thomas Charles Martin, 85, of Altoona, slipped into peaceful oblivion early Friday morning, December 20, 2024. He died loving his wife and his families. He tried to be a good husband, father, step-father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin. Tom cherished his ancestors, his old and dear friends, his growing up on the family farm, and his unrestrained youth.

He was interested in and concerned about everyone he met. He was generous to all – even total strangers. His gifts were given without questions or conditions. Tom loved America and devoted many years of his life in service to his neighbors and communities. A sports lover, he was active in tennis and volleyball until the age of 73. He was active at Martin Oil Company until his death.

Tom loved history, philosophy, ribald jokes, singing and intelligent conversation. He was sometimes a teacher and always a student – always reading, always curious, and always trying to learn.
He enjoyed travel, gardening, nature, martinis, scotch, chocolate, poker, writing poetry, and being horizontal.

Tom had no time for anyone who was pretentious, arrogant, hypocritical, unkind, prejudiced, dishonest, negative or parsimonious. He questioned the motives and courage of some religious people and their lack of reality about life and death. His religion was love and kindness to everyone he met.
Tom died laughing and without fear and maybe just a few regrets.

His wish, dear reader, is that the remainder of your life is productive and that your own death is easy.
Adios para siempre, mi amor, mi familia, mis compadres, me vida!

Friends will be received from 9 to 11am, Monday, December 23, 2024 at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Inc. Bellwood. A funeral service will be held at 11am Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood.

To honor Tom’s request, memorial contributions in his name are suggested to be made to Bellwood-Antis Public Library or Bellwood-Antis School District Foundation.