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Wallace Martin

September 16, 1941 - January 18, 2021
Visitation
First Baptist Church, Ruston
200 S. Trenton
Ruston, LA 71270
318-255-4628 | Map
Thursday 1/21, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service
First Baptist Church, Ruston
200 S. Trenton
Ruston, LA 71270
318-255-4628 | Map
Friday 1/22, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Greenwood Cemetery
515 Everett Street
Ruston, LA 71270
318-251-8621 | Map
Friday 1/22
Charity
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Funeral services for Wallace Leonard Martin, 79, will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday January 22, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston.  Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston.  Rev. Chris Craig will officiate. Wallace Martin was born on September 16, 1941 inContinue Reading

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Mimi And Rex Johnson left a message on February 1, 2021:
Wallace was an amazing person and respected by all. He touched the lives of so many and will be missed. Sending our love, prayers and condolences to Suzan and all the family.
Mimi And Rex Johnson left a message on February 1, 2021:
Wallace was an amazing person and respected by all. He touched the lives of so many and will be missed. Sending our love, prayers and condolences to Suzan and all the family.
Amy Farmer Prine left a message on January 24, 2021:
My fondest memory of Coach Martin and Mrs Martin is when they put me on the bus, just the three of us in Branson and drove me to the hospital since my Diabetes decided to act up while out of town and stayed with me until my parents could get to Branson and get me. I have never forgotten either of them and pray for peace for the family during this time and healing in learning how to live without their precious loved one. Mrs Suzan and Leigh, I haven’t met Greg but we will keep all of you in our prayers. Amy
Larna Jean Annison left a message on January 23, 2021:
My prayers are certainly with the Martin family. I call it one of my blessings to have been a member of the Cedar Creek family with the Martins. Wallace was such a good Christian example for the students of Cedar Creek and I am glad my son Douglas was one. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
david kidd left a message on January 23, 2021:
I will miss seeing Wallace and his lovely wife at the track meets, but what I will miss most is his counsel about the important things in life. He wore his faith on his sleeve and you could see Jesus in his smile. May God give his family comfort.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Tag Rome left a message on January 22, 2021:
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of a great friend and influence to many! My thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family as he meant so much to the Rome family. RIP coach
Tag Rome left a message on January 22, 2021:
I’m sad to hear the loss of a past influence in my life
Tommy and Melissa (Ashy) Winkler left a message on January 22, 2021:
We are so very sorry. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. I know he will be missed by so many! Praying God will help y’all get through today and the days ahead!
Tammy Rome left a message on January 22, 2021:
What a wonderful, inspiring, kind, spiritual man. You will be missed very much. Love and prayers to you all. Tammy Graham Rome
Tammy Rome left a message on January 22, 2021:
In memory of Wallace Martin, Tammy Rome lit a candle
Max and Holly James left a message on January 21, 2021:
Every time that we saw Coach Martin, he had a smile on his face. He spread so much joy everywhere that he went. He was a godly man with a deep love for his family and others. He was a special person in our lives as a role model, our coach, and brother in Christ. He will be missed by so many, but his impactful legacy will live on.
Billy R. and J-Nell Davis and Family left a message on January 21, 2021:
Even though I had not seen Wallace very often over the last few years, I will always remember his warm smile and outgoing personality. His talent was such that he was able to influence a lot of young lives in a positive way over the years. He will be greatly missed.
Fred and Lorie Poulin left a message on January 21, 2021:
Wallace will be sorely missed, such a wonderful man and mentor to many. We are praying for you in this difficult time. May God give you peace and strength.
Mary Elizabeth Hearne Halbrook left a message on January 21, 2021:
Suzan and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that y'all are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Sincerely, Mary Elizabeth and Andy Halbrook
Lori and Bob French left a message on January 21, 2021:
Heartfelt sympathy to Greg and the entire family during this time. What a legacy and such a force of light and love to all he encountered. Our love, Lori and Bob French
Mark Taylor left a message on January 21, 2021:
Wallace lived his faith in every aspect of his life. We taught Sunday School together for the young married group at FBC for several years. It was good to share in his wisdom and insight. He will be missed.
Davis Bradford left a message on January 21, 2021:
Coach Martin's kind, confident demeanor and encouragement convinced me, and probably hundreds of others, to try track. I was a bit awkward and a middling high-jumper, but Coach Martin reminded me that we scored just for having someone jump. And I still remember how much fun we had. In short, Coach Martin expanded horizons, challenged limitations, and taught us to enjoy the process. Thanks for inspiring me to seek the heights.
Allen and Lana Carpenter left a message on January 21, 2021:
Wallace was a giant in more than one way. His size was large but his love for people and his personality was even bigger. He was a fierce competitor on the football field but would always give you a hand to get up after he had just run over you. I know personally! We played for Ruston High and practiced together; sometimes we were on opposite sides of the ball. Wallace and I had a good time in the summer working for the city of Ruston at the city power plant. His dad worked there also. During the fall and winter months we cut and sold fire wood for extra cash so I knew him pretty well. We were both Christians and he set an example that God loved him for. He and Susan were our neighbors and Lana and I loved them. Allen and Lana Carpenter
Lucius & Leigh McGehee left a message on January 21, 2021:
Praise be to God. Wallace's faith is now sight. So many memories from Hodges Avenue and Old Wire Road growing up. Such a giant of a man and one that I have constantly looked up to. You have fought the good fight and kept the faith. Great is your reward. Suzan, Greg and Leigh Baskin, we grieve with you. It is an immeasurable loss. We stand with you and will be praying for you and you adjust to a new normal. We love each of you.
Dickie & Toni Crawford left a message on January 21, 2021:
Suzan and family - we are heartbroken about your great loss. Wallace's efforts with the Cedar Creek track program and with the local FCA ministry will leave a legacy for many years to come and means so much to us personally. Please know that we are lifting you up during this time. We will check in on you soon. Much love, Dickie & Toni
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Betty Madden Harrison left a message on January 21, 2021:
I was heartbroken to hear that Wallace had passed away. He was a beloved member of our 1960 graduating class from RHS. I’ve had the opportunity to be around Wallace throughout the years and his character never changed...friendly, sweet, strong Christian values. My love and prayers go out to Susan and the family during these difficult times. May God give you great comfort and hope.
Snehal Patel left a message on January 21, 2021:
What a phenomenal human being. I remember how Coach Martin was always there with a smile, a laugh and an encouraging word, no matter the problem. He will be missed.
Douglas Annison left a message on January 21, 2021:
I loved Coach Martin, and his entire family for that matter. He reminded me of my father who was a life long coach, and similar in many ways. Coach was a man of God, and an example for all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, and remembered in admiration by all who knew him. Thanks for all you did for me personally growing up at Cedar Creek Coach.
Denise Elliott McKnight left a message on January 20, 2021:
Dear Suzan and family: Mere words cannot fill such a void left by Wallace. His loving heart and generous spirit filled the room everywhere he went. His smile brought you in and made you feel as if you had always been a friend. Our hearts go out to you now in your great loss. My prayers for peace will continue as you all face a new journey. May God’s love and comfort enfold you in His arms.
Luke Weaver left a message on January 20, 2021:
Love you Coach. Thank you for always pushing me to not only be a better athlete, but a better man. I can’t wait to see you again
Neil and Shirlann Edmiston left a message on January 20, 2021:
Praying for your family during this time of sadness.
Huey Kirby left a message on January 20, 2021:
Praying God’s comfort and peace for you and your family Ms. Suzan! Coach Wallace made an indelible impression on my life and I am eternal grateful. We love you. Huey and Mary Lynn
Clint Raley left a message on January 20, 2021:
What a great example of how to be a Godly man! My condolences to his family, Remember that God always keeps his promises to us and you will see each other again.
Leo and Norlyn Hyde left a message on January 20, 2021:
We are so sorry for this incredible loss to your family. Wallace leaves a legacy of faithfulness to God and his family. He invested himself in scores of young people throughout his years and the world is definitely better off as a result of his influence.
Jim Frasier left a message on January 20, 2021:
So sorry praying for y’all Coach Martin was a sweet soul and will be missed. I still love to hear the stories from him or dad of their track days and have many of my own with him I will cherish
Todd Edwards left a message on January 20, 2021:
Coach Martin was one of the finest men I ever knew. He was the kind of mentor they make movies about. I last spoke to him in the late 90s but the things I learned from him still influence me to this day. I think he will live on forever in the hearts of the many people he taught.
Stan & Debbie Williamson left a message on January 20, 2021:
So sorry to hear the news. Wallace was a man of integrity who was about helping others and was a bright light in the lives of many. Prayers for Susan and family in this loss but celebration for Wallace is now home.
Reg Harris left a message on January 20, 2021:
I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy to the Napper/Martin family for your great loss. I haven't seen Wallace for several years, but I consider him a great friend. He was the kind of person that made you feel special just being around him. He will be greatly missed.
Karen Harms left a message on January 20, 2021:
Suzan, Shirley and families, My deepest condolences to you and your families. My heart goes out to you! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sheila Jackson left a message on January 20, 2021:
My heartfelt condolences to the family! Wallace will forever be in our hearts!
Ron & Sherry McNabb left a message on January 20, 2021:
Suzan, So sorry to hear about Wallace. He was one of my favorites. Sherry and I will be praying for you and the family. He was a really fine man. Ron & Sherry McNabb
Jill Sundblad left a message on January 20, 2021:
Suzan and family, I am so sad to hear about your loss. The Martin family holds a very special place in my heart. The role model of Suzan and Wallace's Christ-centered marriage and family influenced the choices I made when I left Ruston many years ago. Suzan and family, I am praying for God's piece as your mourn the death of your husband, dad and grandfather. Love, Jill (Register) Sundblad
Anita Gray left a message on January 20, 2021:
Susan, I feel like I know you, but we have only met once. I’ve been playing bridge with your Mom for 20 plus years. Our back yards meet. My husband, Will and I just want to convey our deepest sympathy on the death of your husband! Will and I “love” your Mom. Will enjoyed chats with your Dad also. I am sorry we never met you and Wallace. You and your family our in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Anita and Will Gray
Walter Davis left a message on January 20, 2021:
My thoughts are with the Martin family. Coach Martin was a wonderful man and role model. I enjoyed working with him in the FCA at LaTech and will always remember his calm demeanor and sense of humor.
Carolyn Williamson left a message on January 20, 2021:
Susan, I am so very sorry to see this obituary this morning! My heart goes out to you & your family! You & Wallace were not just my customers, but became my friends over the years. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Wallace on those plans that you & I presented to him. May God watch over you during this time.?????
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Phil Gordon left a message on January 20, 2021:
You will be sorely missed my friend. I can never pay you back for all of your time that you spent on me and my friends helping us to find our way. But we all did. Thanks for not giving up on us. I am saddened of your departure and the void that you leave behind will be felt by many. Those of us that you left behind must pick up the work that you did and fulfill your legacy. Thanks for being the role model that we needed. I love you like my dad.
Andy Jones left a message on January 20, 2021:
Very fond memories from Cedar Creek. Praying for the family.
Judy Robeaux Bowyer left a message on January 20, 2021:
I was so sorry to hear about Wallace. I heard he was ill and have been praying for him and y’all. Suzan and Wallace were so wonderful with the youth group at church and I will never forget their positive guidance. Though we didn’t get to see each other in the past few years, you have always been in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for you all at this sad time. ????????
Lynn hester left a message on January 20, 2021:
So sorry for your loss. I knew him well during my years at cedar ceeek. Your family is in my prayers.
Julia Hand Callaway left a message on January 20, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss and our loss of a great man. I always admired Coach Martin. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family. The world needs more men like him.
Dr. John Maxwell left a message on January 20, 2021:
A devastating blow to lose Wallace Martin. Coach was one of the most impactful men in my life as he was for countless students thru the years. Always a smile and encouraging word. He was more than a coach. A teacher, friend, and mentor but most of all- a disciple maker. He loved the Lord with all his heart and it showed in the way he lived his life. I know Donnie Barmore was welcoming him with open arms. I miss you Coach but I will see you again!!
Jim and Carol Williams left a message on January 20, 2021:
Papa Bear will be missed for his big heart. So glad our grandchildren were his grandchildren and our daughter had a loving father-in-law. Love, Jim and Carol Williams
Blake Helm left a message on January 20, 2021:
Coach Martin will be missed. Sorry for your lose.
Jacob Stutzman left a message on January 20, 2021:
A high school track coach of mine in Natchez, Ms knew Coach Martin and set me up to meet with him in Monroe in the mid 1990s. Coach Martin changed my technique and I ended up getting markedly better. His coaching played a big part in me getting a college scholarship for track and field. He had no reason to meet with and help me other than doing what he could to help a kid get better.
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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