Larry Jo Martin

Larry Jo Martin, 58, of Williamstown, W.Va., passed away Feb. 24, 2012 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. Larry was a PGA Professional, Callaway Golf representative and Founder of the Top Flite Junior Tour.He was born Sept. 15, 1953, and was the son of William and Betty Martin of Seymour, Indiana.In 1976, he was the youngest Class A Golf Professional in the United States at the age of 23. Larry spent 25 years with the Parkersburg Country Club and 18 of them as both General Manager and Head Golf Professional, doing everything he could to promote amateur golf, in not only Parkersburg, but for the entire state of West Virginia. Larry was one of those responsible for bringing approximately half a million dollars to Parkersburg area charities through the annual Sour Mash Open, as well as fundraisers for the Bryce/Lietzke/Martin scholarship, which is presented to high school seniors with high academic achievements and a strong interest in golf.One of the biggest things that Larry enjoyed most was promoting junior golf.This summer will mark the 27th year of the Top Flite Junior Tour, which he started with one goal in mind; to promote junior golf and give junior golfers from West Virginia and surrounding states the opportunity to play affordable tournament golf.Over the years, Larry earned several honors voted on by his peers. Starting with the West Virginia PGA, he was named PGA Golf Professional of the Year 10 times, as well as Merchandiser of the Year in 1986. He was also named Junior Leader of the Year six times by the PGA of America Tri-State Section and in 2005 was awarded with the Bill Strausbaugh Award given for his dedication to golf. And with his dedication to his job with Callaway Golf, in 2005, Martin was named Golf World Business Top 25 sales representatives in the country. In 2008 Callaway Golf named him Salesman of the Year.In addition to his parents, Larry is survived byhis wife, Becky Martin; three children, Keri (Scott) Moore of Williamstown, W.Va., Lucas (Ann) Nicely of Marietta, Ohio and Jessica (Andy) Bargeloh of St. Albans, W.Va.; five grandchildren, Lexi, Ty, Jack and Laci Moore, and Henry Nicely; one brother-in-law, Gerald (Rita) Board of Parkersburg, W.Va.; uncle, Jerry (Harriett) Warren of Indiana; and two canine companions, Divot and Bunker.Larry was preceded in death by one brother, Steve Martin.Memorial service and reception will be held Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Parkersburg Country Club. Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 3005 Grand Central Ave. Vienna, W.Va. is assisting the family with arrangements.Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Larry Martin to:WV Golf Foundation Top Flite Junior Tour, Junior Golf Development Fund, PO Box 2748, Charleston, WV25330.