Martin, Jack

30 year old miner, was burned to death, and his father James Martin, 60 received serious burns when fire, resulting from an exploding stove destroyed a three room house near Hockerville Oklahoma, at 5 yesterday morning. Kerosene poured on glowing coals exploded, the flames filling the room instantly. Jack Martin's wife, Mrs. Vera A. Martin, carrying three-months old Patricia Ann Martin in her arms led David Martin, 4, and Carol Darline Martin, 3, through a bedroom door to safety. All four received minor burns. Jack Martin, his father, a brother, and a nephew remained in the house, fighting the rapidly spreading flames with their hands until the fire drove them outside. Meanwhile, two neighbors, Earl Raines and George Sissel, pushed a truck parked near the house to a safe place, while R. Lucas, night watchman at the nearby Guaranty Mine, phoned the alarm to the Picher fire department, who responded. In the confusion, Martin gained the impression that his brother, C. J. Martin, 12 years old, who was on the opposite side of the building, had remained in the burning house. He re-entered the dwelling, by this time completely in flames, despite the efforts of his father to stop him. The father's hands were so badly burned that he could not hold his son. Pulling himself loose, Martin ran into the blazing bedroom, and was almost instantly overcome by smoke. His father saw him fall upon a bed, but was held back when he attempted a rescue. Martin's charred torso was recovered when firemen extinguished the fire. Martin, a shoveler at the Guaranty Mine, was preparing for work yesterday when the stove exploded. Living in the house with him were his father and mother, a brother, a nephew, Eb Martin, his wife, and three children. The house and contents were a total loss. Neighbors furnished temporary shelter to the family, which have been left destitute as a result. Martin's father was removed to a Picher hospital. Attendants there said that his condition this morning, while serious, was not critical. He was badly burned on arms, legs, back and face. C. J. Martin was treated for burns on the arms, and Mrs. Martin and the children were treated for slight burns. All but James Martin were released after treatment. The Red Cross swung into action at once when word was received of the tragedy. Quarters were obtained for the needy family and officials brought clothing, bedding and groceries. Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, and children; his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. James Martin; five brothers, Harvey Martin, Albany Texas, Bill Martin, El Reno; Roy Martin, Mesa Arizona; Ben Martin, Chickasha Oklahoma, and C. J. Martin, Hockerville; three sisters, Mrs. Alma Pierce, Albany; Mrs. Mae Pinkerton and Miss Dorothy Martin, Miami. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Miami Assembly of God church with the Rev. Harry Rogers of Commerce officiating. Burial will be in G.A.R. cemetery at Miami, under the direction of the Lane Funeral home. INSERT "Kerosene tested--Kerosene used in building the fire that took the life of Jack Martin was tested for its flash point this morning by William Poteet, county attorney. Persons who use kerosene in fire building should never pour it on anything but an open flame, Mr. Poteet warned. The gas generated when kerosene is applied to glowing coals is as dangerous as that of gasoline, he added. No criminal action is involved in the test, but if the flash point proves to be dangerously high, stations handling the kerosene will be warned in order that they may so inform customers who buy it for fire building." 2nd INSERT--Contributions needed for the destitute family of Jack D. Martin, who was burned to death yesterday, is being given by the Red Cross. The Rev. H. W. Curtis of the Miami Red Cross last night supplied the immediate needs of the family, taking them groceries, clothing and bedding. Persons desiring to contribute any articles of clothing, canned goods or household goods may bring them to the Presbyterian church, Mr. Curtis said. Contributions are being received by B. B. Brumbaugh at Picher and Mrs. Percy Smith at Quapaw Oklahoma.