James 'Everett' Martin Sr., 85

SMYRNA - James "Everett" Martin Sr. of Smyrna died peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007, in his home with his loving family by his side. He was 85.

Mr. Martin was born Nov. 25, 1921, in Virginia, son of the late Irvin Elmon and Effie Izzella (Palmer) Martin.

He retired from Carpenters Local Union 626 after 50 years of service.

He was an avid gardener who enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables, which he shared with his many neighbors and friends. He was a big NASCAR fan and an avid collector of a variety of collectibles. He took great pride in and loved his pickup truck. Although he enjoyed these many passions, he shared his greatest love with his family, including his family at church. His many talents as a carpenter led him to be instrumental in constructing the initial building of the Townsend Free Will Baptist Church. His great sense of humor and love for life will be missed by his many dear family and friends. He was a great humanitarian with a big heart.

Mr. Martin was a longstanding member of the Townsend Free Will Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Nadine Perry and Louise Martin; a brother, Eugene Martin; a loving grandson, Timothy Figgatt; a darling granddaughter; and a very special niece, Frances Tweed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy L. (Watters) Martin of Smyrna; four daughters, Carolyn and her husband Keith Figgatt of Frederick, Md., Peggy Ducote and her companion John of Middletown, Judy and her husband Steve Ludwig of Berlin, N.J., and Charlotte and her husband, Doug Cameron of Middletown; two sons, James E. "Butch" Martin Jr. and his companion, Liz of Smyrna and Tom and his wife, Joyce Martin of Middletown; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; two brothers; four sisters; and a very special and dear friend, Mr. Morris of Smyrna.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today in Townsend Free Will Baptist Church, 4519 S. DuPont Highway, Townsend.

Services will 11 a.m. Saturday in the church, where friends may call an hour earlier.

Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Port Penn.

Memorial contributions may be made to Townsend Free Will Baptist Church, 4519 S. DuPont Highway, Townsend, DE 19734.

Arrangements by Daniels and Hutchison Funeral Home LLC, Middletown.