Arthur Patterson "Pat" Martin

Arthur Patterson “Pat” Martin, Oklahoma Banker, died at his home in Tulsa on August 26, 2021. Martin was the third generation of a banking family that dated back to Indian Territory. He succeeded his grandfather, A.J. Martin, and father, A.C. Martin, as President and CEO of the Okemah National Bank, from which he retired in 2010 after a 52-year career. Mr. Martin’s hopes and aspirations were tied to Okemah for nearly 75 years, motivated by his drive to create a lasting benefit for the community. At various times over the years, he served the Okemah Chamber of Commerce as both Treasurer and President. He was a member of the Okemah Chapter of Jaycees International and served on the Okemah Industrial Authority. In addition, Mr. Martin served on the boards of the American Exchange Bank in Henryetta and The First National Bank and Trust Co. of Tulsa. He also served in the Oklahoma National Guard. A Finance graduate of the University of Oklahoma School of Business, Mr. Martin was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where he later served on the Alumni Advisory Board. After graduation and a trip to boot camp in Georgia, he returned to Okemah where he continued working with both his grandfather and father in making the Okemah National Bank one of the strongest small banks in the state. Mr. Martin had a lifelong passion for flying -- even co-founding the “Okemah Flying Club.” His signature low buzz greeting over friends’ homes often brought them away from the dinner table, stepping outside to wave hello. An avid stunt pilot, he loved to share the thrill of a good maneuver with a willing passenger. You could almost always hear Mr. Martin whistling a song before you saw him coming, and he enjoyed spending his evenings listening to music. He taught himself to play guitar, later taking weekly lessons, although he was never quite as good as Willie Nelson. He began dancing at a young age with his mother, and was always up for a spin around the dance floor. A lover of the written word, Mr. Martin was a known stickler for penmanship. As a prolific reader, he especially loved poetry, and was well known for his annual reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” His quick wit and sense of humor were nothing short of legendary. His sweet tooth was insatiable, and neither cookies nor pieces of candy were safe from his reach. From pound cake to the perfect coconut cream pie, Mr. Martin had a well-known motto of “pie for breakfast,” although there was really no wrong time for dessert. Mr. Martin was devoted to his family and many friends, and had a unique gift of staying in touch with each and every one of them. His quiet generosity was a hallmark of his character. His parents, Arthur Clark and Josephine Patterson Martin and a daughter, Jo Ann Martin, predeceased Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, Janice Lawrence Martin, along with daughters Paige Martin and husband Paul Clear, and Rebecca Fernandez and husband Duane Fernandez. At his request, there will be a private burial with immediate family present. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Okemah Cemetery Fund, ℅ Kim Shandy, BancFirst, 402 W. Broadway St., Okemah, OK 74859.

Arthur Patterson "Pat" Martin

May 26, 1936 - August 26, 2021