John Felix "Phil" Martin, age 80, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

A true Arkansas outdoorsman through and through, Phil found his greatest joy anywhere there was water, woods, or farm ground. If there were trotlines to set, nets to check, animals to trap, or game to hunt, Phil was right at home—season or no season, weather be darned. Born on October 24, 1945, in Keevil, Arkansas, he developed an early love for the land, farming, and the outdoors, and he never strayed far from any of the three.

After serving eight years in the National Guard, Phil settled into what he did best, working in agriculture. On August 6, 1965, he married the love of his life, Arlene Byers. Together, they made their home in Brinkley, where they spent the next 60 years raising children, grandchildren, and just about anyone who wandered through needing a meal, a lesson, or a little tough love.

Phil, better known as "Paw" to many, could always be found at the concession stand at sporting events, making sure no one watched the game without popcorn in hand. He loved discussing the weather, hunting adventures, or recent game sightings, and he never let anyone leave his home without offering them watermelon or some other kind of food. His laughter, generosity, and curiosity made every gathering feel like home. Paw's household was always lively, filled with his family and a host of friends.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, John and Viola Martin; four brothers, Junior, Bud, Jerry, and Rickey Martin; four sisters, Vera McGraw, Ethel Faye Martin, Virginia Jackson, Barbara Miller, who joined him later that day, and one infant daughter, Nancy Martin. Phil is survived by: his wife: Arlene Martin; two sons: Phillip (Lisa) Martin, Garrick (Janell) Martin; one daughter: Beth (Justin) Mooney; nine grandchildren: Lynzie (Brandon) Miller, Jade (Levi) Fleming, Rhett (Callie) Martin, Kelby (Bailee) Martin, Ally Mooney, Haleigh Walker, Jeffrey (Hayley) Walker, Jeromy Walker, and Anika Walker; seven great-grandchildren: Grady Belcher, Madden Fleming, Cade Cooper, Havyn Walker, Nora Fleming, Callan Martin, Camden Martin, and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. Phil never lost his ornery charm, keeping his caregivers, Cari and Connie, plenty busy and well entertained while they cared for him with remarkable patience, humor, and heart. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley, followed by a family graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Philadelphia Cemetery.