Martin Oscar Roach

Martin O. Roach, 87, formerly of Webbers Falls, OK, went home to our Lord on April 28, 2022, in Norman, OK, after a long illness with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his wife, Imogene of 63 years; son, Jeff (Catherine); grandsons, William “Liam” and Cullen of Norman; brother, Hurshel (Barbara) of Fort Gibson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ike and Ethel (Doak) Roach; and brothers Kenneth, Hartshel, Ira and Coye Roach. Born in Hagarville, AR, on October 27, 1934, the family moved to Oklahoma when Martin was two and lived in rural Muskogee County most of his childhood. He graduated from Webbers Falls High School in 1957. After high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Hood, where he achieved expert marksman with the 4th Armored Division. Upon leaving the Army, Martin married his high school sweetheart Imogene Briley on March 27, 1959. The couple moved to Columbus, KS, in 1963 where Martin completed the journeyman electrician certification at Pittsburg State Technical Institute. He was employed at the Army Ammunition Plant where he was initiated into The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). During his career he worked for several contractors in many states. In 1973, he and Imogene moved back to Muskogee where they had their son, Jeffery Martin, in 1974. Martin was a great craftsman and could design, build or repair most anything. During his lifetime he enjoyed hunting, fishing, dirt biking, off-roading, RVing and attending bluegrass festivals. He also raised and trained hunting dogs. Martin was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church in Muskogee where a celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, May 4th at 11:00 A.M, officiated by Bro. Steven Alexander and Bro. Don Blankenship with burial following at McLain Cemetery. The family will receive friends and family at Cornerstone Funeral Home, Muskogee from 4:00-6:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 3rd. Pallbearers include nephews Rick, Mike, Rod, Tony and Billy Roach; Jared, Heath and Jason Briley. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Adult IV Sunday School Class of New Hope Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International or New Hope Baptist Church.

Martin Oscar Roach

October 27, 1934 - April 28, 2022