Mr. Kell Bailey Martin, age 95, of Vancleave, MS, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 30, 2015.
He was born on April 18, 1919 in Vancleave, MS and has been a lifelong resident of Jackson County. After graduation from Vancleave High School, he was drafted into the United States Army on June 17, 1941. He served as a member of the 893rd Ordnance Heavy Automotive Maintenance Company for four years during WWII and was stationed in England, France and Belgium. During his tour of duty in England, he met and later married his wife of 64 years, Betty Ellis Martin. Kell was employed at Keesler Air Force Base for over 25 years. He retired in 1983 and has spent the last 29 years at his home in Vancleave where he has enjoyed his family and farming. Kell is a member of Ocean Springs Presbyterian Church.
Kell, a faithful husband and devoted father, is survived by his wife, Betty Martin, his daughter, Davina Martin Levy (Terry) of Jackson, Mississippi, and his son, John Kelvin Martin (Marcella) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Kell has three grandsons, Philip, Mark and Andrew Levy, and five great-grandchildren, Lillian, George, Louise, Betty and James Levy.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 3, from 12 noon until 1 pm, with a 1 pm church service, all at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery.
The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice for their care and compassion during these past months.