Leonard, Texas -- Funeral services for R.L. Martin, Jr., 81-year-old resident of Newton, Texas (formerly of Leonard, Texas), are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel at Leonard.  Bishop John Chisum and Bishop Johnny Martin will officiate.  Burial will be in the Valley Creek Cemetery near Leonard.  Family visitation will be from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2012. 

Mr. Martin was born July 5, 1930 in Leonard.  His parents were Robert Lance and Flora Etta Chennault Martin.  He married Bennie Lou Jones July 31, 1954 in Ector.  He attended the Valley Creek and Leonard school systems.  He was a member of the Church of God at Cleveland, TN and worked as a front end specialist for over the road trucks. 

He served his country as a member of the United States Army, doing active duty during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.  He passed away at his residence in Newton, Texas following a long period of illness. 

He is survived by his wife of 57 years:  Bennie L. Jones Martin of Newton, Texas; his daughter, Elizabeth Martin-Crabtree and her husband, Christopher of Newton, Texas; his three grandchildren:  Christina Franklin of Beaumont, TX, Nicole Sprinkle of League City, TX and Kimberly Stevens of Beaumont, TX; 1 great-grandson, Kaleb Sprinkle. 

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lance and Flora Etta Martin. 

Memorials may be made to the Dallas Veterans Administration, 4500 Lancaster Blvd., Dallas, TX.

Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home of Leonard is in charge of arrangements. 

You may sign the on-line register at www.TJMFuneral.com.