Rufus Edgar Martin Jr, 89, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, March 10, 2015. He was born on November 18, 1925, in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to Artie and Rufus Edgar Martin.

Rufus was a United States Army veteran, having served in World War II.  Among his military honors, Rufus received the Bronze Star, a medal given to soldiers who showed true valor in a time of war.  He was a longtime member of Westgate Memorial Baptist Church in Beaumont, and an active team member for Kairos of Texas Prison Ministry for over fifteen years, where he touched the lives and positively influenced countless inmates. Despite a serious injury that resulted in the amputation of both of his arms, Rufus continued to work until the age of 62, retiring from BF Goodrich and Nova in Orange, as a supervisor in 1988.  

Survivors include his loving wife, Juanita Martin of Beaumont; daughters, Lynda Moncla, Barbara Raymond, and Janice Grossheim, all of Beaumont; son, David Martin of Lumberton; stepchildren, Robin Colburn and Charles Hoce; sister, Louise Morton of Grandfield, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Michael, Cyril, Ian, Jennica, Austin, Zachary, Sarah, Mollie, Meredith, Ross, Thomas, and Caroline; great-grandchildren, Jayla and Ava Kay; and a host of other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Beatrice High and Geraldine Picket; and his daughter, Sandra Marino.

A gathering of Mr. Martin’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 12, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2015, at Westgate Memorial Baptist Church, 6220 Westgate Drive, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Westgate Memorial Baptist Church, 6220 Westgate Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77706.