Henry “Lee” Martin, Sr, age78,methislovingSavior on October 26, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family. A graveside service was 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2024, in the Osage Cemetery in Agra. Strode FuneralHomeandCremation is in charge of the arrangements.
Lee was born on the Martin Family Farm south of Tryon, OK, on August 8, 1946, to James Truman and Minnie Martin. He spoke fondly of his father and growing up on the farm, learning hard work and his love of horses. Lee was baptized in the Agra First Baptist Church. He graduated from Agra High School in 1964 and served in the United States Army National Guard from 1966-1972.
He met his lovely bride, Barbara Jean Covington in 1963 and rode his beloved horse Flicka down the country roads of Lincoln County to court her and won her heart. They married August 15, 1964, at the Agra First Baptist Church. Lee and Barbara welcomed their first son Henry Lee “Hank” Martin, Jr, August 28, 1969. The morning Hank was born, Lee was so proud he went all over Lincoln County telling everyone Hank was the most beautiful baby ever born. Lee took Hank horseback riding when he was just 50 hours old, ensuring Hank would become the fearless cowboy his daddy knew he would become. On March 11, 1975, Lee and Barb welcomed their second precious son, Rodney Lynn Martin.
Lee could build a house from the ground up and was a carpenter throughout his life. He bought, bred, and sold quarter horses in the 1970s, then in 1977, he purchased his first miniature horse. He was a pioneer in the world of miniature horses, buying and selling internationally as well as Classic Shetland Ponies. At the Martin’s Miniatures Horses Circle M Farms, Lee and Barb bred and raised National Champions with Lee and Hank stepping in the ring to show them. Lee was president of the American Miniature Horse Association, and a member of the board of the directors. Lee was an adventurous and fearless Cowboy, with “Cowboy Up” being more than a motto, but a way of life. Before Frontier City was Frontier City as you know it, Lee stole the show as a gunfighter. He substituted for NickAdams,winningthecrowdover,metSammiDavis Junior, Clu Gallager, and many more. He was friends with Dale Robertson of the movie “Wells Fargo” and one of his best friends was Tuffy Williams. He laughed as he recollected a time he caught his pant leg on fire trying to beat a quick draw Sherriff in the show, but he could outride and out cowboy most, riding Roman Style and any other trick riding out there.
Barb was undoubtedly the love of his life. Hearing him say “Barb” will be missed by us all. Lee was most proud of his big family. He was Papa to granddaughters Lydia, Abigail and Bethany, who were the apple of his eye, and he cherished and respected his grandsons, Kaimon and Hunter. His son whom he loved deeply, is his namesake and legacy, his great-grandsons were his joy, and his daughter-in-law was his little girl.
LeewaspredeceasedbyhissonRodneyLynnMartin, his parents, mother and father-in-law Paul and Murl (Greenfield) Covington, three sisters and one brother. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barb Martin; son Hank and wife Whitney Martin; grandchildren, Hunter and fiancé Kyla Poston, Lydia and husband KaimonAllender,Abigail Shannon, and Bethany Shannon; great grandsons, Brayden and Brooks Allender; sisters, Ann Kinder, Beth Herndon; and brother, Allen and wife Vera Martin. He is also survived by a host of cherished cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and family across the nation he dearly loved.
Pallbearers will be Henry “Hank” Martin, Jr., Kaimon Allender, Hunter Poston, Richard Hamel, Jay Tarlton and Jeff Tarlton.
“Cowboy Up, Martin. Cowboy Up!”
Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by visiting www. strodefh.com.