Joseph Elisha Martin

Joseph “Joe” Elisha Martin, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away August 17, 2025, in Gautier, Mississippi.

Joe was born August 31, 1962, to Jack and Mary Martin of Gautier. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Jack T. Martin, and brother Jacques “Tommy” Martin. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Yvonne Webb Martin; his mother, Mary Martin; two sons Tyler (Amanda) Martin, Timothy (Jessie) Martin and one daughter Ariel (Josh) Ely; Six beloved Grandchildren: Presleigh Martin, Jonas Martin, Ella-Kate Martin, Wrangler Ely, Lane Ely, and George Wyatt Martin. His brother, Mike (Claire) Martin of Gautier and two sisters, Becky (Jerry) Martin of Ocean Springs and Laurie Wood of Gautier;  His in-laws, Robert and Irene Webb of Lucedale, sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Webb, and Mary Eastland and brothers-in-law, Robert Webb and George Webb. Also, a large extended family in the Fontainebleau Community of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and Fairhope, Alabama.

Joe dedicated his life to his family and was always just a phone call away if any of his family needed him. Joe enjoyed having breakfast at Waffle House with his mother, sister, brother or any one of his large family and at Ward’s in Vancleave where he liked to meet and have coffee or a meal.

Joe loved showing his grandchildren how to drive a tractor or his truck (regardless of their age). He attended as many of their programs at school or birthday parties and especially sports events as he was able. He had a special great-niece Brayleigh who thought Joe was her grandfather too.

Joe was proud to call Gautier, Mississippi his home. His great-great grandfather came to this country from England in 1850 and settled in Gautier at Farragut Lake. He grew up in Gautier and thought there was no finer place on earth.

Joe’s daughter Ariel wrote:

Our Dad, Joe Martin

If anyone truly knew him, then you knew everyone really needed someone like Joe Martin in their lives. He was hardworking, proud, and all around the best person to have in your corner. He was always a gentleman and if you weren’t he would call you out on it. He was so proud of our men and women that fought for this country. You never saw him pass by a veteran without speaking to them and thanking them for their service. He taught so many in the family not only skills but life lessons. They were not always taken as he gave them, but he still gave them in stride and maybe a little sarcasm. Our dad would give you the shirt off his back and never think twice about it. He was not one that looked for a repayment, but if you could help someone in the same way, shape or form then do that. Money meant nothing to him but the most important things in his life were our momma, his three children and the grand babies. Presleigh, Jonas, Wrangler, Lane, Ella Kate and George Wyatt. Not to mention all the others that may not physically have come from us three but were just as important in his life. If I can leave you with anything to remember our dad with. Pay respect to a veteran when you see them and thank them for their service. If you drive down Gautier-Vancleave Road, stop in at the Marathon (BP) for a cup of coffee and sit in the second booth closest to the door. Play the Lottery and talk about everything you’ll buy when you win. Most of all, be there for your family and friends. Be the one that says anything can be fixed over a cup of coffee. Call them on the ride home or tell them a really dumb dad joke. And lastly, open and read a book when life gets a little slow.

That is our dad. That is his legacy.

Graveside Service will be Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, 10:30am, at Martin Family Cemetery in Gautier.  You may send condolences to his family or share a memory of Joe on the Tribute Wall. 

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