forever flying, a dear friend is gone...

Vyarl Wayne Martin

HURST, Texas — Vyarl Wayne Martin, 46, a veteran of the Army, Navy, and active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, passed away tragically Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009.

Funeral: 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church of Hurst with Dr. Michael McKee officiating. Graveside service: 9 a.m. Friday at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Forest Ridge Funeral Home in Hurst.

Vyarl was born April 20, 1962, in Decatur, Texas. He grew up on a farm in Duke, Okla., where he graduated from Duke High School. He attended Western Oklahoma State College and graduated from Oklahoma University with a bachelor of science degree in aviation technology. On May 28, 1994, he married the love of his life, Kim Olivadoti in Batavia, N.Y. Lieutenant Commander Martin served honorably in the United States Army, United States Navy, and more recently the United States Coast Guard for more than 15 years. He was activated after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and served in both Memphis, Tenn., and Galveston, Texas, for more than two years, defending the security of our nation during Operation Noble Eagle. In September 2005, he was a key member of the Operations Section during mass-shelter operations in Houston, Texas, following the devastation of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. His humanitarian efforts were instrumental in providing food, clothing, medical attention, housing, and other basic human needs to more than 44,000 displaced citizens. For his many accomplishments and service to his fellow countrymen, Lieutenant Commander Martin was awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. Vyarl also was employed by Petroleum Helicopter, Inc. of Morgan City, La. For more than three years. He flew for PHI carrying oil rig workers to offshore platforms. Before working for PHI, he was a flight instructor at Meacham Airport in Fort Worth. Vyarl dearly loved to fly and was a pilot for jets, single/muti engine planes, and helicopters. He was a member of the VMAX Club and the Gold Wing Club. He will be dearly missed by all of his family, friends, and co-workers. Vyarl was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Adrian Martin and Treva Davis Martin. Survivors: Loving wife, Kim Martin; brothers, Joel Martin and wife Deanna and Kip Martin and wife Lana; uncle, Stanley Davis and wife Barbara; niece, Hannah; nephews, John, Luke, and Mark; and numerous cousins.