Countdown begins with Martin, Jones
By Terry Greenberg
Avalanche-Journal Editor
100
Retha Martin
1900-1981
He was chairman of the board of Dunlap’s department store chain, based in Lubbock.
But the Oklahoma native was tied into every aspect of life in Lubbock, according to a Celebrate 2000 A-J article about city’s leaders.
Martin was instrumental in the West Texas Museum Association, served as chairman of the board of Citizens National Bank and also was an influential member of the Texas Tech Board of Regents. Martin’s philanthropy touched numerous lives. In 1974, he presented the deed to Dunlap’s five-story South Coast Life Building to Lubbock Christian College. Officials at LCC called the gesture historic, said the article.
"Retha had tremendous influence in Lubbock and took an active interest in anything he thought would help the city," said Ira Dunlap, whose father hired Martin as a 15-year-old boy.
99
Delwin Jones
1924-present
The Lubbock native has represented Lubbock and surrounding areas in the Texas Legislature for 28 years and seeks another term later this year.
He may be best known for passing out patriotic-colored nail files, but Jones played roles in bringing the Lubbock State School and the Texas Tech medical and law schools to Lubbock.
Colleague Robert Duncan said Jones is also valuable to Lubbock because of his ability to navigate state government on behalf of residents.
"Delwin has access to different agencies because of his senority. I look to Delwin to handle complex issues for the area through the agency process," said Duncan, Lubbock’s state senator. "He is a very active, constituent-oriented member."
Jones graduated from Lubbock High School and Texas Tech, along with serving in World War II.
He’s been a farmer and businessman with memberships, in many cases charter memberships, in many local organizations.
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