On November 1, 1940, the world was blessed with an extraordinary spirit. Born to Hiawatha “Arthur” Martin (Watson) and Geraldine Tease Martin, Eugene Orval Martin entered this life as a bright, curious, and joyful baby boy—destined to leave a lasting imprint on everyone he encountered.

Eugene was born and raised in Boley, Oklahoma, a place that shaped his values and sense of purpose. At an early age, he went to live with his grandparents, where he was raised alongside his mother’s younger siblings, Uncle George Tease, Jr. and Aunt Pauline Tease, becoming more like a little brother than a nephew. It was in this loving household that Eugene learned the deep importance of family, loyalty, and community—principles that guided him throughout his life.

He attended school in the Boley School System and graduated from Boley High School as valedictorian, an early testament to his brilliance and dedication. Eugene continued his academic journey at Langston University, where he once again excelled, remaining at the top of his class.

As a young husband and father, Eugene made the selfless decision to leave Langston University to support his growing family. He accepted a position as a Ship Surveyor in Galveston, Texas, and later became a meat inspector in Dallas, Texas, allowing him to be closer to home. During this period, his first marriage came to an end, but Eugene remained steadfast in his commitment to fatherhood and responsibility.

In late 1966, Eugene was recruited to work for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Muskogee, Oklahoma—making history as the first Black meat inspector in the city. While working at Swift Company, Eugene’s integrity, work ethic, and charisma made him a favorite among management. It was there, thanks to some well-meaning “intervention” from his supervisors, that he met the love of his life, Gladys Bible.

Eugene and Gladys shared an undeniable connection. After a short courtship—and with encouragement from Gladys’s parents—Eugene proposed on Christmas Day in 1967. They were united in holy matrimony on March 23, 1968. Eugene entered the marriage with two children, Tanara Francine and Tonya Dione, and together he and Gladys built a beautiful, blended family. Kimberley Lashawn was born in 1969, followed by Eugene Orval Martin, Jr. in 1971, completing their family of six. 

Following Kimberley’s birth, Eugene and Gladys relocated to Oklahoma City, where Eugene worked as a meat inspector for Wilson’s Meat Packing Company. It was here that his passion for unions and organizing took root. Eugene became an active union member and was soon elected local union president, a role he held for approximately nine years. Gifted with an extraordinary ability to connect across races, cultures, and backgrounds, Eugene played a vital role in diffusing racial tensions and fostering unity—earning respect wherever he served.

Word of Eugene’s leadership and charm spread throughout the union world, eventually reaching the attention of Sam Pennington, National Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) in Washington, D.C. At the time, AFGE represented more than 700,000 members nationwide. Due to escalating racial tensions in St. Louis, Missouri, Eugene was offered a position as a National Representative, later becoming a National Organizer.

In 1979, Eugene and Gladys moved their family to St. Louis, where Eugene’s work took him across the country. His reputation as a master organizer, trainer, and advocate grew so strong that he was requested nationwide—and his name became known throughout the union world.

In 2002, Eugene was appointed Assistant to the President of AFGE, John Gage, prompting a move to the Washington, D.C. area. In this role, Eugene left an indelible mark on AFGE history. He created the MORE Team, developed impactful training programs, strengthened organizing initiatives, and significantly improved member benefits. After six years, Eugene and Gladys relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to care for his beloved mother, Geraldine.

Even then, Eugene never stopped serving. He continued organizing, mentoring, arbitrating, teaching countless lunch-and-learns, and recruiting thousands of union members—with Gladys faithfully by his side, and also his mother, Geraldine—until she could no longer travel. He earned numerous awards and recognitions and was widely respected as a fierce advocate, gifted teacher, trusted mentor, and a friend to all—truly never meeting a stranger. Eugene retired from AFGE in 2024.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eugene’s heart belonged to family. He played a pivotal role in founding the Tease Family Reunion, with the first organized gathering held in Oklahoma City in 1977. Under his guidance, bylaws were established, a Board of Directors was formed, and reunions were held every two years across the country. Eugene never missed a reunion and made it a priority for his family to attend both the Tease Family Reunion and the Martin Lowe Family Reunion. His absence at the 2026 reunion will be profoundly felt.

Eugene also served as the family historian, meticulously tracing the lineage of both the Tease and Martin families. Through his research, he documented his Indian heritage, enabling himself and his children to gain citizenship in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Beside every great man stands a great woman, and Eugene absolutely adored his beloved Gladys. Rarely seen apart, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, faith, music, and travel. They danced often, worshipped together, worked side by side, and even coordinated their church outfits. Gladys supported Eugene through every chapter—including assisting him during trainings as if she were an AFGE employee herself.

Even during hospitalization, Eugene requested an extra bed so Gladys could remain by his side. She lovingly cared for him, ensuring his comfort, nourishment, and strength—never allowing him to give up, standing with him, until the very end. Eugene was a master storyteller, famous for the tale of Gladys’s mother jumping off the porch and standing in front of his car, begging him to marry her “little skinny daughter” to add color to the family. Told so often and with such conviction, the story became family legend—and “true” in every way that mattered.

Eugene took immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted PawPaw, he maintained close relationships with them all, sharing a particularly special bond with his first grandchild, Bria, who traveled with him and Gladys during her first two years of life. His final great act of love was walking Bria down the aisle at her wedding in October—despite grave illness—determined to be present and making it happen.

Eugene never forgot a face, a date, or a loved one. He remained deeply connected to family, making regular calls to cousins and his last living aunt, Cora. Family was everything to him, and he worked tirelessly to keep those bonds strong. Eugene Orval Martin, Sr. leaves behind a mountain of memories, lasting lessons and advice, a legacy of unity and love, and a life that touched countless hearts. His presence will be felt forever through those who were blessed to know him.

Cherishing his memory are his beloved wife, Gladys Bible Martin; his children, Tanara Martin, Tonya Glasco (Anthony), Kimberley Martin, and Eugene Martin, Jr. (Natasha); grandchildren Bria Wilson (Willie), Aminika Glasco, Jaleel Martin; ten great-grandchildren; the Tease Family; the Martin Family; The Bible Family, and his AFGE colleagues who became family.

Services for Mr. Eugene Martin, Sr. will be Saturday January 3, 2026 at 11AM at Antioch Baptist Church - Tulsa.

Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will take place on Friday January 2, 2026 from 12PM - 4PM.

A wake will be held in The Tulsa chapel on Friday January 2, 2026 from 4PM - 6PM.