Don Martin's Passing

[Les Hollister]

I had the pleasure of doing some work for Don Martin. I recall he sported a crew cut, flat top haircut. WSLM (with 5,000 red hot watts at 1220 AM) and 98.9 FM was in the middle of a salvage yard. I recall Junior had a gunshop on the property, and several "news" vehicles were abandoned and used for parts for active station vehicles. Funny story about Don (told to me by Don): he was attending the IBA Convention in Indy about 20 plus years ago, and door prizes were being awarded. Now if you know Don, he also owned the local funeral home. There was another Indiana broadcaster from WITZ-AM/FM, Jasper named Earl Spencer that owned the funeral home in Jasper, IN. Earl's doorprize was a free funeral (to be redeemed as long as Earl owned it) at his funeral home in Jasper. The winner was Don Martin. Don told that story with little comedy. He was serious about winning a fully paid funeral in Jasper. Wonder if Don redeemed that winning certificate?

 

[destinationradio]

Would that have been Earl Metzger?

 

[Les Hollister]

Earl Metzger is correct. At least my memory was 50% correct on Earl's name. Thanks for the correction. It's still a cute story and the way Don described it in his serious manner. He really did seem offended that someone would bring the same gift of a funeral for a door prize at the state broadcasters convention. Don was a bit quirky, but faith driven. Bless his soul.

 

[destinationradio]

Les,

That is a great story, and I didn't realize both men had radio/funeral home connections. You wouldn't think it would be common enough to happen in Salem and Jasper.

 

[skippertthomas]

Didn't Earl have HOLIDAY LIQUORS??? HE offered me a job and some discounts.. Didn't tip me that way (I was college age and working in a College Market), and I was a tea toddler....