A man remembered as the founder of Brewton’s volunteer fire department and a longtime friend of firefighters died Tuesday at the age of 86.
John Martin, a former Brewton Fire Department chief, was known as a friend to the community in which he lived and a special friend of anyone who ever fought a fire.
Current Brewton Fire Chief Lawrence Weaver said Martin’s legacy will be one of friendship and dedication.
“He was a friend to the fire service,” Weaver said. “He worked hard and had strong work ethics. He enjoyed working and I think it kept him going. He attended functions relating to the fire department and never lost his interest. He was one of the founding members of the volunteer fire department here in Brewton, and we worked together as volunteers for several years.”
Martin’s association with the fire department was long standing. He served as fire chief from 1972 until 1998 with the Brewton Fire Department. Following his retirement Martin began working as a representative with North America Fire Equipment Company in Decatur — a company which sells equipment to fire departments. Through the position Martin continued with his close association with the fire department until his death, Weaver said.
“John was a friend of the fire service,” Weaver said. “He was a hands on type of man. He was one of those type of guys who enjoyed working.”
Martin was active throughout the community serving as a member of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the Lions Club and a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the Merchant Marines from the age of 17. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Brewton. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Taormina; and his siblings, Rhoda Franzoni, Ruth Martin, Ann Martin, Dean Reynolds and Sam Martin.
He is survived by his wife, Leola Martin; a son, Wayne Martin; two daughters, Janie (Leon) Hamric and Jeanette Martin; a brother, James (Dorothy) Martin; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Craver’s Funeral Home Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church.