Lavan Martin would have liked the American flags flying. He would have liked the Patriot Guard escort, and he would have appreciated the full military honors.
Martin, known to some as Lavan and to others as Lee, was a patriot, a veteran, a family man, a proud Poarch Creek Indian, and devout member of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church. He passed away Friday, April 13. His funeral was held at Petty Funeral Home. He was escorted to Steadham Cemetery by Patriot Guard Riders with flags flying. The front of the hearse bore an American flag and a U.S. Army flag. He served 22 years in the Army.
Martin, was commander of VFW Post 7016 in Atmore for a number of years. He worked tirelessly for the cause of veterans and was especially instrumental in making sure veterans were in the schools. His desire was that students not forget where their freedom came from – and at what cost. Martin gave the word veteran a face for kids to see.
The following was written by him family:
“He served as Chapter commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and a post member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Charleston, SC. He was instrumental in establishing the VFW Post in Atmore where he was Commander for 16 years. He was a proud member of the American Legion and the DAV.
“It mattered not to which veteran organization he belonged, he was always ready, willing and able to assist veterans and citizens. He spearheaded in bringing to Escambia County High School a Junior Navy ROTC unit, and the resurrection of veteran activities in Atmore.
“When he came back to Atmore, he resumed his commitment to St Anna’s where he was Senior Warden for many years. St Anna’s flourished under his care, guidance and generosity. He absolutely loved his church. He also dearly loved the place he was born and raised, his family and friends. As a Creek Indian he loved the Poarch Creek Indians who have struggled so long and hard to be first class citizens in what was once a segregated society. He was equally dedicated to his family, community citizens and to his church parishioners.” by Sherry Digmon April 18th, 2012
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