John Edgar Martin, Jr.

Breaux Bridge - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, August 14, 2023, at St. Bernard Catholic Church for John E. Martin Jr., 76, who passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.

A visitation will take place at the funeral home in Breaux Bridge on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm and will continue on Monday from 8:00 am to 10:30 am.

A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Rev. Reed Bellingham will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Jensie Guilbeau and Nicole Hegger.  Gift bearers will be Katelyn Hegger, Maggie and Lizzie Delahoussaye.

Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery #1.

John Edgar Martin, Jr. was born on December 17, 1946, in Breaux Bridge, a small town in Louisiana. He was known for his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, leaving a legacy of success and community service. It is with heavy hearts that we announce his passing on August 8, 2023, in Lafayette.

John's career spanned several decades and industries. In 1965, he started working for Domingues Motors alongside his father, John E. Martin, Sr. Later on, in 1983, John took over the dealership and renamed it Martin Chevrolet. Under his leadership, the dealership flourished and became a reputable name within the community. His proudest accomplishment was being able to provide top-notch deals and services to the people he cherished.

Aside from his ventures in the automotive industry, John was also the owner of Corey Enterprise and part-owner of La. Deal Services (LDS). His entrepreneurial spirit led him to invest in various businesses and contribute to the local economy.

John's commitment extended beyond his professional life; he was an active member of the Breaux Bridge community. As a city councilman, he dedicated himself to serving others and making a positive impact on his hometown. He understood the importance of preserving nature's beauty and actively participated in organizations such as the Gulf Coast Conservation Association and Ducks Unlimited. John was also a member of the Breaux Bridge Volunteer Fire Department for several years.

In addition to his business acumen and civic involvement, John found joy in various hobbies. He embraced the great outdoors while duck hunting-a passion that allowed him to appreciate nature's wonders fully. Furthermore, he enjoyed playing tennis as a way to stay active both physically and mentally.

However, John's true pride and joy was his family. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend - there was nothing more important to him than those he held dear. He will be remembered as a kindhearted soul with a heart of gold when it came to his family. His love for them was unconditional, and he always made sure they felt cherished and supported.

John's dedication to his country was evident through his service in the United States Army National Guard. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Masonic League, embodying its principles of brotherhood and charity.

His memory will be forever cherished by his beloved wife, child, grandchild, siblings, extended family members, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his warm and giving spirit.

Although John Edgar Martin, Jr. may no longer be with us in person, his legacy as a resilient businessman, devoted public servant, loving family man, and community leader will continue to inspire us all. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

He is survived by his wife, Diana B. Martin; son, Corey (Robin) Martin; grandson, Paxton Brooks Martin; and his sisters, Ginger (Chris) Delahoussaye and Tessie (Bill) Fuhrer.

He is preceded in death by his son, Brooks Martin; and his parents, Roma Domingues Martin and John "Boysie" Edgar Martin, Sr.  

Pallbearers will be Corey Martin, Paxton Brooks Martin, Chris Delahoussaye, Bill Fuhrer, Brit Busch, and Randy Rees.  

Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Brewer, Brent Delahoussaye, Jack Dale Delhomme, Terry Melancon, Nolan Menard, Bill Garrett, Huey Olivier, Tony Robin, Alan Renfro, Mike Robicheaux, Mike Frey, Steve Frey, Whitness Gary, Kyle Lastrapes, Coach Mike Mowad, Norris Theriot, Mike Patin, Weldon "Tac" Taquino, Hans Romero, Matt Hegger, Richie Hebert, Dave Hardy, David Cormier, Johnny Foco, and Dona Boucher.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 211 Berard St, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.