Thomas D. Martin

Thomas D. Martin, 83, died peacefully with family at his side on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2015. He was born July 16, 1932 in Wichita, to Bess Ellen (Butterworth) and Fredrick Martin.  

After graduating from Dodge City Senior High School in 1950, he attended Wichita State University. Tom came back to Dodge City and worked at Caves Motor Co. He then applied at Fidelity State Bank and began his career in banking as a teller, working his way up to Bank President, retiring from that position in 1982. During his banking career, Tom was also active in the Kansas Army National Guard. He completed the Command and General Staff Course through correspondence. Tom was honored to be the First Battery Commander in the new building for the National Guard Dodge City. He retired from the Kansas National Guard at the rank of Major. 

August 17, 1953 Tom married Norma Jean Duncan in Dodge City. They had three children: Patrick, Kathryn and Ann.  

Throughout his years living in Dodge City, Tom served on several boards including the board of Trustees Dodge City Regional Hospital, Trinity Board Association, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Catholic Diocese, and Bank of the Southwest. Tom also served two terms on the Dodge City Commission and was Mayor twice during his time on the Commission. He worked very hard towards the building of a municipal swimming pool, rodeo grounds, Fourteenth Street Bridge, racetrack, purchase and improvement of City Hall. 

During Tom’s “retirement years” he taught DCCC and St. Mary’s of the Plains students Economics and Banking/Finance. He also obtained his insurance and real estate license, owned and managed rental properties in the area. In Tom’s final years he very much enjoyed time spent with his coffee group at Wendy’s and talking with his neighbors Todd, Diane and Jack. But most of all he loved his time with family members, telling stories, giving advice, taking in stray cats, mowing the lawn and helping his wife around the home. 

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean, his son Pat, daughters Kathy and Ann, and son-in-law, Gary Salmans; grandchildren, Rachael (Melvyn and baby Beltran), Zachary (Mallory, Fiona Raugewitz), Sarah Raugewitz, Seth (Katie Salmans), Katelyn Salmans (Andrew Ingalls); and many loved nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Fredrick, Bess and Lawrence Motti, and brother William Martin. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date with a private family inurnment. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Ford County Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of Swaim Funeral Home – 1901 Sixth Ave – Dodge City, KS 67801. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.