Jean Arnold Martindale, 87, of Pampa, Texas, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023, peacefully with his family by his side,
Memorial services will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Mark Lang, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.
Jean was born to Zirita and D.L. Martindale on April 17, 1936, in Phillips, Texas. He was raised in Pampa, where he attended Pampa schools and played football for the Harvesters. As a Boy Scout, taking a trip with this his troop to Canada, canoeing and portaging across the lakes with his brother, Jim, was one of the most memorable times in his youth.
After graduation from Pampa High, he attended the University of Texas and West Texas University. He then went on to attend Baylor Law School, while Mary worked to put him through school. Upon graduation from Baylor Law School in 1965, he practiced law in Canadian, Texas before settling in Pampa. He served as Municipal Court Judge in Pampa from 1977 to 1980. He was highly respected among his peers and was a zealous advocate for his clients.
Jean married Mary Ellen Inmon on August 30, 1957. Jean and Mary were the proud parents of two sons, Matthew in 1968, and Russell in 1971. Jean loved the game of golf that he enjoyed with close friends, Don Evans, Buzz Tarpley, Harold Comer, and Jim Alexander, taking numerous golfing trips to New Mexico other parts of Texas. He loved hunting and fishing with his sons. He was known for saying he wanted the songs “Whole Lotta Shaking Going On,” and “I Feel Good” to be played at his funeral. He loved going to the family cabin in Angel Fire, New Mexico where the family spent many vacations, ski trips, fishing trips, Christmases and spring breaks. He loved to have projects and to build things. Often, he would have a band-aid on his finger because he “boogered it up,” as he would often say. He seldom followed directions when he built something, and certain items around the house had a slight tilt to them or were missing a few parts. It was okay though, he fixed it with a screw nail or duct tape.
He served as Municipal Court Judge from 1977 to 1980. He was honored with an award from Amarillo Areas CASA Program in 2010, making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. He practiced law for 58 years, was highly respected among his peers, and was a zealous advocate for his clients until his death. He was a member of the Pampa Lions Club, and long-time member of St. Matthews’s Episcopal Church where he had served on the Vestry and as Chancellor until his death.
He was stubborn, ornery, funny, kind, good natured, sweet, smart, talented, genuine, and loving. He loved his grandchildren with a passion. He gave them Coca-Cola, chocolate, knives, trampoline, and 4-wheelers among other things. He would drive them in a golf cart several blocks from the cabin and then let them drive back, testing their ability to find their way home. He had a great sense of humor. He and Mary once filled a friend’s living room with wadded up newspaper. He put a friend’s house up for sale and put an ad in the paper for an open house, even sending out invitations.
He was a true gentleman, never raising his voice to his wife or children. He was great father to Matthew and Russell, teaching them various traits they carry with them today. He spoiled his wife, and she spoiled him. He never spanked the boys but had very serious talks alone with them. He had a “joie de vivre” others recognized and sought out. His prayer at meals was his Phi Psi prayer he learned in college, or “rub-a-dub-dub, bring on the grub, yeah, God.”
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ellen Martindale; two sons, Matthew Coleman Martindale and wife Erin, and Russell Lee Martindale and wife Sarah; his grandchildren, Molly Claire, Emma Ruth, Maxwell Austin, and Mary Catherine; his brother, David and wife Sharon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Jim Martindale; a sister-in-law, Patricia Martindale; and by his parents.
Please sign the online registry at www.carmichael-whatley.com
