biography
Mr. Martin was born May 16, 1936 in Wolforth, Texas, the son of Teddy and Roberta "Bobbye" Martin. He married Sandra Hitch on Jan. 27, 1956 in Clovis, N.M. Gerald was a local, widely known unsung hero of the community. He was a multitalented man with a charismatic personality who entertained people through his clean story-telling, amazing singing voice and guitar "pickin'."
Gerald made his first solo flight at age 15 and received his private pilot's license at 17. He was the state's youngest commercial pilot at 18. Gerald became a Colonel in the Confederate Air force in 1962, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showing historical aircraft thru air shows and film. Gerald flew aerial sequences for the motion picture "The Battle of Britain" filmed in Spain and "The Hindenburg" and also flew in the T.V. series "Baa Baa Black Sheep." He met many WWII Ace pilots and actors through these endeavors.
Many people got a kick when he would land at Hereford's local airport in such planes as British Spitfires, German ME-109's, FM-2 and F4F Wildcats, P-51 Mustangs, and several more types of aircraft. He also enjoyed flying in the Reno, Nev., air races. One of his favorite pastimes besides playing the guitar and singing was building, flying and competing with model airplanes. He was an outstanding member of SAM Chapter 105 Texas Eagle. SAM is the Society of Antique Modelers, which replicates and flies models designed before 1943.
Gerald Martin, 74, passed away Monday, Oct. 18, 2010 at his home in Hereford, Texas. Gerald left his mark not only passing his amazing gifts on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he placed a mark in our society and history. His greatest mark was in our hearts and we will cherish and honor his memory always
Gerald made his first solo flight at age 15 and received his private pilot's license at 17. He was the state's youngest commercial pilot at 18. Gerald became a Colonel in the Confederate Air force in 1962, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showing historical aircraft thru air shows and film. Gerald flew aerial sequences for the motion picture "The Battle of Britain" filmed in Spain and "The Hindenburg" and also flew in the T.V. series "Baa Baa Black Sheep." He met many WWII Ace pilots and actors through these endeavors.
Many people got a kick when he would land at Hereford's local airport in such planes as British Spitfires, German ME-109's, FM-2 and F4F Wildcats, P-51 Mustangs, and several more types of aircraft. He also enjoyed flying in the Reno, Nev., air races. One of his favorite pastimes besides playing the guitar and singing was building, flying and competing with model airplanes. He was an outstanding member of SAM Chapter 105 Texas Eagle. SAM is the Society of Antique Modelers, which replicates and flies models designed before 1943.
Gerald Martin, 74, passed away Monday, Oct. 18, 2010 at his home in Hereford, Texas. Gerald left his mark not only passing his amazing gifts on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he placed a mark in our society and history. His greatest mark was in our hearts and we will cherish and honor his memory always