Harold Lee Martin

Harold Lee Martin, 95, of Kosciusko, MS, died January 19, 2021, following a brief illness. Harold was born October 16, 1925, in Carriere, MS, to Henry Eugene and Minnie Lee Martin. He was a 1943 graduate of Crystal Springs High School. He thereafter went to Mississippi State College where his studies were interrupted by a call to serve his country in the United States Army Air Force. He was assigned as a staff sergeant tail gunner, completing 37 missions in Italy and Germany. After returning from war, Harold resumed his studies at MS State, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. From there, he went to work for the USDA in the Soil Conservation Service. During his 30-year career with the government, he walked countless miles alongside property owners in Mississippi. While assigned to Simpson County, Harold met Joan Mangum whom he married in 1956 in Magee, MS. Ten years later, his vocation took him to Attala County where he established a home for his family in Kosciusko. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church where he served both as a deacon and on the counting committee for many years. Harold was a kind, gentle man who was loved and respected by his community, friends, and family. This was celebrated recently at his 95th drive-by birthday party where he sat under a tent and greeted over 100 people. Harold is predeceased by several family members: his parents; Joan, his wife of 49 years; his son, Hal; and his sister and brother, Mary Eugenia Purvis and Henry Frank Martin. He is survived by his daughter Kathy Martin Loewenberg of San Antonio, TX, and his daughter Karen Martin Fagan and her husband, Walt Fagan of Brandon, MS. He leaves behind grandchildren Laura Loewenberg and Kathryn Loewenberg of San Antonio, TX; Aaron Loewenberg and his wife, Sandi Gollob, of Silver Springs, MD; and David Loewenberg of Washington, DC. He had one great grandchild, Felix Harold Loewenberg. He also leaves behind Willie Fox Fletcher, his loving caregiver and best friend. Services will be Saturday, January 23rd, 2021, at First Baptist Church, Kosciusko, MS at 10:30 a.m. A social distancing visitation will take place 30 minutes prior. A graveside service and interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at City Cemetery, Magee, Mississippi. Masks and social distancing will be required for both services. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church TV Ministry or the charity of your choice.