Gwendol Martin Obituary

Gwendol Faye Martin, 93, longtime Goodwell, resident passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at her home. Gwendol was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and breast cancer survivor. The daughter of Alton and Iva (Carter) Stevens, Gwendol was born February 22, 1932, in Rattan. Gwendol was raised in Antlers, where she attended school, graduating with the class of 1951. She was the President of FHA as well as Queen of their FFA Chapter. Following high school, she worked as a legal secretary and for a State House Representative while waiting for Jerry Martin, a U.S. Marine, to return home from the Korean war. Gwendol and Jerry Martin were united in marriage on her birthday, February 22, 1953, in Antlers.  After Jerry finished military service they moved to Stillwater, where Jerry attended Oklahoma State University earning three degrees, a BS, MS and Ph.D. During that time, Gwendol worked in the Agriculture Economics Department for OSU. After Jerry completed his Ph.D, they moved to Murray State College in Tishomingo from 1961 to 1967 where Jerry worked for the Agriculture Department and Gwendol worked for the college registrar. In 1967, Jerry accepted a job at Panhandle State University in Goodwell and served as the Dean of Agriculture from 1972 until his first retirement in 1994. Gwendol worked for over 50 years at Panhandle State in key administrative positions including Chief Clerk in the Business Office, Interim Business Director, University President Secretary and Administrative Assistant for the School of Agriculture. They were both very supportive of the university athletic program where Jerry ran the clock and Gwendol kept the score book at all basketball games until their first retirement. They were also the cheerleader sponsors from 1980 until 1990. Jerry and Gwendol were also responsible for management of the Beef Bull Performance Test more commonly known as the PSU Bull Test. The Bull Test, started in 1952, is the oldest consistently running test in the Nation, providing invaluable data for beef producers nationwide. Since 1982, Jerry and Gwendol worked tirelessly to manage and maintain the test. Gwendol was responsible for the administrative management of the test and was instrumental in automating the records process, greatly increasing efficiency. In addition to her dedication to career, Gwendol was a talented seamstress, making clothes, quilts, embroidery and crocheted items. She had a unique talent for quilting, making quite a number of hand stitched quilts for family and friends. Gwendol received multiple awards and recognition at local fairs for her hand stitched quilted art. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Stanley Martin and two brothers, Victor and Freddie Stevens. Survivors include her loving husband of 72 years, Dr. Jerry Martin of Goodwell; three children: Brad and wife Vicki Martin of Marietta; Ronnie and wife Penny Martin of Hooker, and Cindy and husband Mark Cogburn of Hardesty. Survivors also include two sisters: Sue Hyatt and Sandy Hitt both of the Oklahoma City area; five grandchildren: Anngela Parker of Hinton; Michelle Baker of Goodwell; Marsha Carter of Arkoma; Kelly Martin of Ardmore; Rebecca Martin of Marietta, and eight wonderful great grandchildren. Cremation arrangements were under the care of the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon. Memorials in memory of Gwendol may be given to Sublime Animal Sanctuary at http://sublimesanctuaryok.org and will also be accepted at Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.