Martin Henry Webb 1944-2007

Martin Henry Webb was born January 15, 1944 to Goodlowe and Eva Webb in Buckhorn, Oklahoma. Henry was the fifth born of 8 children. He attended school at Elm Grove, Battle Creek, and Haskell. In July 1964 he married the love of his life, Karen Boughton. To that marriage two wonderful daughters were born, Pamela Sue and Angela Gail. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Haskell, Oklahoma and played an instrumental role in the development of the new building and location.

He began his career in construction at the age of 17 working on pipelines in Colorado, Texas, Florida and New Mexico. Not long after, Henry and his brother, Delbert and Joe created Webb Brothers Construction from meager beginnings of a single dozer to a very successful construction company. Accomplishments of Webb Brothers Construction include many Corp of Engineers jobs, developing numerous public-use areas on surrounding lakes, as well as several subdivisions in Broken Arrow. In addition, Henry spent his spare time improving his ranch, raising cattle, growing pecans, working in his garden and collecting and restoring John Deere tractors.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents Goodlowe and Eva Webb, one brother Delbert Leon, and one sister Clara Drucella. Henry is survived by his wife Karen of the home. Two daughters and son-in-laws: Pam and Darren Stephens and Angel and Joe Walker. Four grandchildren: Matt and Amanda Stephens and Melody and Weston Walker. Three brothers and sisters in law: Joe and Charlene Webb, Rocky and Debbie Webb, and Roy and Rose Anna Webb. Two sisters and brother in law: Pat Bolding; Virginia and Gary Rowan. Two sisters in law: Bonnie Harris and Bette Fletcher. He had many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition, he had two special friends who were more like brothers: Wayne Allen and Leamon Webb.

Despite humble beginnings, Henry achieved remarkable success in his business endeavors. One of his greatest joys however, was helping people realize their full potential. He was a generous man with a big heart. His influence was by way of example. His entire life was based on setting goals, working hard, working smart and never giving up on his dreams. Failure was never an option. Those who knew him well described him as humble man who was “country smart” with a head for business. People respected him because his word was his bond. He was dedicated to serving the Lord, his family, church and community with his time, talent and treasure. He served on the local school board for 15 years and was instrumental in the planning and completion of a new junior and senior high school, the A.B. Shockley Stadium as well as a multipurpose building that serves as a bus barn and show arena for local livestock shows. He also represented Muskogee County as a board member for the Muskogee Industrial Authority, which was responsible for supporting new and expanding businesses. In addition, his contribution as a member of the Muskogee County Courthouse Renovation Committee resulted in both a beautiful new facility and much needed renovations to the historic county court house.

Henry had a knack for visualizing the big picture and focusing on future possibilities. He cared deeply about the needs of people in this country and in the world at large. More than anything else he loved God, his family, friends and neighbors. We were truly blessed by his presence. He will be missed indeed but all the good that Henry did and the examples he set will live on in our hearts forever.

Services by Dowdy Funeral Home for: Martin Henry Webb

Place of Service: First Baptist Church, Haskell, OK

Date and Time: Monday, January 29, 2007 1:00 PM

Interment: Haskell Cemetery, Haskell, OK

Officiating: Rev. Jerry Don Abernathy and Rev. John Glover

Pallbearers: Wayne Cardwell, Ron Applegate, Ben Harmon, Jr., Gene Dunham, Kenneth Choate, and Bill Ford. Honorary Pallbearers: Wayne Allen, Leamon Webb, and Ed Synar.