Ralph Edward Martin, age 69 of Lexington, passed away following a long battle with lung cancer, Thursday, October 15, 2015 at his home. Ralph Edward Martin was born September 22, 1946 in Broken Bow, OK, the only son of John Lewis Martin and Edith Viola (Claunch) Martin. He spent his early years in the Criner and Dibble area before moving to Trona, CA. He attended Trona Unified Schools, graduating from Trona High School in 1965. While in high school he was in ROTC and was in a Chess Club. Ralph joined the United States Army in 1969, and was proud to serve his country. After being honorably discharged for medical reasons, Ralph married his best friend and love of his life, Ms. Kathy Giraud. They were married on April 10, 1971 in Las Vegas, NV. Together they raised two children, son Shad and daughter, Sarah. Ralph first worked installing water and sewer lines for a few years. Then he began working for Midwest Communications building teletypes and selling contracts. In 1974 he took a job with Teletype Corporation in OKC. After several years with this company, Teletype merged with AT&T and he was transferred to Albuquerque, NM in 1982. Because of his physical battles, Ralph returned to Oklahoma in 2012 to be close to his mother. Throughout his life, Ralph loved being in the outdoors, he enjoyed elk hunting at Mt. Taylor, NM and camping and fishing with his family and friends. More recently he and Kathy would take meaningful daytrips all over Oklahoma enjoying new scenery. Ralph will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed!

He was preceded in death by: His parents, John Martin and mother, Vi Martin in May of this year. Ralph is survived by: His wife, Kathy of the home; Son, Shad Martin of Albuquerque, NM; Daughter, Sarah Martin and husband Brenden Patterson of Beaverton, OR; Grandson, Eli Patterson and A host of other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell, OK. Another memorial service will be held at a later date in Albuquerque, NM. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, OK. Send online condolences @ wilsonlittle.com. In lieu of flowers the family request that you send memorials to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.