Col. Donnie L. “Boog” Martin, 81, of Heidrick, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 6, 2021 at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was the son of the late Ersel and Claudia Blevins Martin born on August 1, 1939 at Heidrick.
Boog was a 1957 graduate of Knox Central High School, where he excelled in basketball, football and track. He earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Cumberland College, a Masters in Education at Union College and completed his Rank I in Education from Eastern Kentucky University. In 1962, he began his service in the military joining the United States Army and later transferred to the Kentucky Army National Guard. At the time of his retirement, he was the Chief of Staff of the Headquarters State Area Command of the Kentucky Army National Guard. He was a skilled officer attending numerous military schools including Officer Candidate School, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Military Police Officer, Command and General Staff Course, Batallion Pre-Command Course and Air Assault Course. He was a decorated veteran receiving many medals including the Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Army Achievement, National Defense Service and Humanitarian Service medals to name only a few. During his time in education, he served as assistant principal of Knox Central High School under his beloved friend, coach and mentor, Charles D. Black. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Barbourville. In addition to his stellar military career, Boog enjoyed working and maintaining a pristine yard, golfing and often traveled to hunt in Maine and Tennessee. He was a devoted and loving son, husband, father and grandfather.
On December 21, 1962, he united in marriage with Betty Ann Collier and to this union a son was born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Bergeon and Oda Botkin Collier and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Norma Jo and Jim Sears.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Ann Collier Martin; a beloved son, Chaz Collier Martin and wife, Diana; a special family friend, he loved as a son, Fred Anderson and wife, Fran; a sister, Diane Martin Dye and husband, Dr. Charles; a brother, Doug Martin and wife, Judy; an aunt, Lois Lee Cole; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Handy and husband, Tom; a granddaughter, Charity Reed; a great granddaughter, Vanity Reed; among many other cherished family, friends and co-workers.
A memorial service will be conducted at the First Baptist Church of Barbourville Monday, April 12 at 2 P.M. with Lt. Col. John M. Luttrell, Gen. Charles T. Jones, Gen. Donnie Storms and Rev. Tyler Shields officiating. Inurnment will follow the service in the Patterson Cemetery with military funeral honors.
Friends may call at the church Monday after 12 Noon until the service time.
Expressions of sympathy may go to the First Baptist Church of Barbourville, 201 N Main Street, Barbourville, KY 40906 in his memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Please remember, during the continuing COVID-19 event, capacity restrictions, social distancing and the wearing of face coverings as mandated by the Governor of Kentucky will be followed during all services. We appreciate your help with these guidelines so we can continue to serve our community during these trying times in the safest manner possible.
Send a condolence to the family of DONNIE “BOOG” MARTIN.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.