Two top owner-executives of the Martin timber companies in Winnfield died within four days of each other last month. Denvor H. (Benny) Martin, general manager of Martin Forest Products, Inc., and John Kermit Martin, owner of J.K. Martin Pulpwood, and a co-founder of Martin Forest Products, were buried in separate services by Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.
Benny Martin, 57, died Thursday, July 12, of complications from diabetes after suffering declining health for the past several months. J.K. Martin, 84, died on Monday, July 16, after being partially disabled with a severe stroke several years ago. The men were cousins. Despite their illnesses, both continued to remain at least partially active in the businesses until recently.