Photo's from Kara Ault, granddaughter Ruby's Raiders meeting Ruby, the WAC the plane was named after. Earl Dean Martin was the tailgunner and is standing up back row 3rd from the Right. Most likely taken in London, they were stationed there. Earl Dean Martin, Jr. was born Aug 18, 1925 in Russellville, Pope Co., Ar. to Earl Dean & Myrtice A Burris Martin, St. January 23, 1946 Earl married Evelyn O. Clark in Russellville. Stories from the Ruby's Raiders crew. His obit below contains much of his life's story. Earl Dean Martin, of Greenwood, formerly of Ft. Smith, died May 5, 2016. He was born August 18, 1925, in Russellville to Earl & Myrtice (Burris) Martin. After graduating from Van Buren High School, he was drafted into the Army Air Corp and was a part of the Eighth Air Force, 385th Bombardment Group. While stationed at Great Ashfield, near London, his crew completed 35 missions on a B-17 Flying Fortress, which was named Ruby's Raiders. He was awarded an Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, ETO Ribbon with five battle stars and given two Presidential Unit Citations. In 2005, he joined 13 other World War II veterans for a reunion at Great Ashfield. One of the highlights of the reunion was worshiping at Great Ashfield Church and viewing a beautiful stained glass window placed in the church with funds raised by the 385th Bombardment Memorial Group. In 1946, he married Evelyn (Teddy) Clark of Russellville and enjoyed 68 years of marriage prior to her death in 2014. Earl drove a bus for Jefferson Lines for 30 years until he suffered a heart attack and was forced to retire in 1978. He often drove charters for the Arkansas Razorbacks and many area schools and civic clubs. He enjoyed using his carpentry skills to remodel rental properties which he and Teddy owned. He was a long time member of the Ft. Smith Antique Car Club where he served as an officer. He was a master restorer of cars and furniture. He was a wonderful cook and along with Teddy, enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. Earl served his church, Immanuel Baptist Church, for many years. He valued the friendships he and Teddy made among the members. He was especially proud of one young member, Clay Montgomery, who called him Uncle Earl. Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his only sibling, Lewis; his wife, Evelyn (Teddy) and his only child, Dr. Rick Martin. He is survived by two granddaughters, Kara Martin Ault (Rick) of Prairie Grove and Beth Martin Clark (Scott) of Springdale; three great grandchildren, Aubrey & Kinley Ault and LeAnna Johnson. Earl is also survived by his son's widow, Gail Martin Gilmore of Greenwood, who he lovingly called his 'dotter' and her husband, Charlie Gilmore whose friendship he treasured and a favorite cousin, Mary Lea Huss of Fort Smith. Earl is also survived by two grandchildren and four great grandchildren of his heart, Toni Cochran (Mark), Jeremy Wade, Hudson & Anna Cochran and Rylan & Khegan Wade. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, May 9, 2016 at Immanuel Baptist Church at 10:30am with burial at the U.S. National Cemetery at 1:00 pm under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will greet friends beginning at 10:00am, prior to the funeral.