Gilbert Thomas Martin, Jr.

Tom Martin, 97, was released from his earthly chains early in the morning on September 9, 2023. We are comforted in his transition because of his faith in the Word of God and His promises. Having faith in these two things, we know that he is now with the One in whom he believed, confessed, and trusted.

Born Gilbert Thomas Martin, Jr. on May 30, 1926, he was the first of six children. During WW II, he was drafted by the Army into the infantry. He was deployed as a replacement in the 79th Infantry Brigade at the end of the Battle of the Bulge. He received several medals for his service as a first scout, one of the most dangerous positions to hold.

Tom married the love of his life, Dorothy “Sug,” on December 21, 1948. They moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, so he could attend Southwestern Louisiana University to study electrical engineering courtesy of the GI Bill. Tom was the first in his family to graduate from college.

Tom retired after 37 years of work with LP&L in 1989. During this time, testing was completed to diagnose that their retirement would include learning to live with Dot’s challenge of Parkinson’s Disease. Tom lovingly cared for Dot during her protracted battle with Parkinson's until the end in 2007.

During Tom and Dot’s lives, they were involved and committed to their church families. Both served over the decades as teachers, deacon, chairman, superintendents, pastor search committees, outreach, and other titles but, more importantly, established lasting friendships and became a part of a legacy of faithfulness. They openly and secretly gave to their church and individuals above and beyond. They gave even when they did not have enough, and God provided for them. Tom often expressed that he felt he was left behind to continue blessing, praying for, and supporting as many people as possible.

Tom inspired his children, including his daughters, to believe there was no limit to what they could do in the world. That was a remarkable attitude for a man of his generation. Consequently, both daughters, Sharon and Kim, pursued careers in male-dominated fields. Gil, the only son, became a highly successful minister-counselor-seminar instructor/author-deputy sheriff with advanced degrees.

Gil and Pam Martin have been faithful caregivers to Tom since Dot’s death. Living across the road from him, they watched over and cared for him to the end. Their servant hearts and attitudes requiring tremendous sacrifice were a blessing to their sisters and Tom that he considered an amazing gift. God truly blessed our family.

Tom is survived by his loving children, Sharon Kay Martin Reitzammer, Gilbert Thomas Martin III, Kimberly Ina Martin, and his wonderful daughter-in-law, Pamela Ferguson Martin; grandchildren, Heather Elizabeth Martin, Ryan Phillip Reitzammer and wife, Lauren, Gilbert Thomas “Tommy” Martin IV and wife, Jocelyn, Shane Isaac Reitzammer and wife, Kirsten, Ella Sage Reitzammer Carmona and husband, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Kasen Nathaniel Martin, Logan Alexander Martin, Tristan Danger Reitzammer, Ella Juliet Carmona, Maverick Spencer Reitzammer, Pierce Spencer Reitzammer, Emma Skylar Carmona, Nolan Welles Reitzammer, Elara Rylan Carmona, Skylynn Winter Carmona, Kya Jade Reitzammer, and soon-to-be-born, Parker Leigh Reitzammer; as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded to heaven by his beloved wife, Dorothy Camp Martin; his father, Gilbert Thomas Martin Sr.; his mother, Flora Ina McQuaig; his sisters, Virginia Martin (stillborn), Carmen Elizabeth Russell, Lola Mae Custer, and Helen June Fontenot; his brother, Kenneth Ray Martin; and Leonard Phillip “Rocky” Reitzammer, Sharon’s husband, whom he regarded as a second son.

Funeral services for Gilbert Thomas Martin, Jr., 97, will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 16, 2023, Mulhearn Funeral Home, 300 McMillan Rd., West Monroe, Louisiana, with Rev. Ryan Reitzammer officiating. Visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. until time of service, Saturday, September 16, 2023, 300 McMillan Rd, West Monroe, Louisiana. Graveside to follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens with military honors. 

Tributes may be posted on Tom Martin’s Facebook page or monetarily to

The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home or the ICR-Institute in Creation Research.

We also consider your attendance a tribute and a blessing to our family. We thank you.