Julian Weldon Martin, age 86 of Charleston, WV died peacefully in hospice care on March 24th. His family was at his side and he was surrounded by love. Julian was born October 2, 1936, in Emmons, WV. He was the oldest of the five children of Ruth and Ernest Weldon Martin.
Julian was an all-conference football player at Saint Albans High School graduating in 1954. He went on to West Virginia University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1959. He remained an avid Mountaineer fan his entire life. Having achieved his degree, he worked in the chemical industry including as a rocket scientist in the area of propellant development.
His career and life path took a major turn in 1961 when he volunteered for John F. Kennedy’s Peace Corps, becoming West Virginia’s first representative. He completed Peace Corps training at UCLA prior to two years in Nigeria, where he taught chemistry and coached track. His team won the inaugural West Africa Peace Corps Track Meet. On his return from Africa, he served as the first full-time Foreign Student Advisor at West Virginia University from 1964-66. While in this role, he helped integrate the barbershops in Morgantown. He then traveled extensively, often hitchhiking. He spent time in all 48 continental states. This time included work as a substitute teacher in the San Francisco Bay area.
After coming home to West Virginia, he returned to teaching full time. He taught a combination of physical science, chemistry, and physics at Duval High School from 1977-1998. He also taught his students beyond the core curriculum. He encouraged independent thought and intellectual curiosity. He frequently inspired wonder and awe in the classroom. He was a committed teacher and many students credit him with instilling the confidence to pursue greater achievements than they thought possible.
In retirement, he increased his focus on preserving the natural beauty of West Virginia. He was devoted to preserving clean air, water, and the mountains of our state. He served on the Kanawha State Forest Foundation and the board of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. He led many trips to Kayford Mountain revealing firsthand and teaching about the destruction inherent to mountain top removal. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a willingness to stand up to the status quo when he found it unjust. This continued until he was physically unable to continue the effort. He was an inspiration and hero to many students, friends, and family.
Julian was preceded in death by his wife, Mae Ellen Wilson. He is survived by the mothers of his children, Linda Martin and Joyce Crews. He was a loving, devoted father. He is survived by his children Bess McKay, Jeff Pellegrin, Elizabeth Pellegrin, Luke Martin and his sisters Mary Martin, Lou Ann Martin-Rogers, and Melanie Hickerson. He is also survived by too many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends to name or to count.
Friends and family are invited to gather from 12-3 Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Service to follow at 3pm. Burial will be held on a future date at Barker Cemetery, Ashford.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy at wvhighlands.org.
He is loved and missed.
Just wanted to share my deepest sympathy’s of your fathers passing. I am David Jones wife and I was fortunate to meet your father through Dave. He was an amazing Stewart of the Earth and just a kind soul. He was a great conversationalist and would argue with a tree if he could. I’m lucky to have passed through his journey.
I just had my hip replaced, so I won’t be there today, but I’m very glad your dad is now at rest and I’ll pray for your family as you go through this difficult time.
In prayers and Love,
Kirstene Jones
I met Julian when we were protesting the Iraq war with Patriots for Peace and continued our relationship in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Charleston WV. I always admired his presence and ability to speak his mind. His students speak most highly of his legacy. Rest in Peace Julian. We will miss you!
This man was such an inspiration to so many. I had had him as a teacher at Duval High School. When I became part of of the Kanawha Co school system I saw him walking every morning. I stopped him one day and Thanked him for his dedication to his community and students. He will definitely be missed, but always appreciated! Thank you Mr. Martin for all you have done Worldwide.
All my memories of Julian are good ones — thinking of him, remembering his smile, twinkling eyes and feistiness make me smile. Wherever he went, he made the world a better place, and West Va needed, still needs, his commitment to equality, justice, and the environment. We were both graduates of SAHS, though a decade apart. I liked to hear him say he was older than dirt. I went with him a few times to Kayford. He rode with me on a trip with visiting Unitarian Universalists from Charlottesville who wanted to learn about Mountaintop Removal Mining. We had just got a new Prius, and Julian was fascinated– he started pushing radio and other buttons that didn’t directly impact driving, except for the one that changed from mph to kph. I was surprised to find myself doing what I thought was 80 mph, so kept slowing down and couldn’t figure out why it felt like we were going so slow and everyone was passing us. And why we were the last car in our group to return. That memory always brings a chuckle. I miss him.
I had the privilege of being one of Julian’s students at Duval and of getting to know many of his wonderful family. His passion for learning and life were an inspiration and his seeing and treating me, and other students, as full human beings, was a true gift! My heart is reaching out to all those that are grieving him. May your healing and living be as vast as his legacy.
I have known Julian for years, serving on the board of the WV Labor History Assoc. with him. I read both of his outstanding books about serving in the Peace Corp. he was a truly intelligent, kind person who greatly helped the people of Appalachia. We will miss him forever.
Julian a true hero
One of the most interesting gentlemen I have ever met. Great guy with great conversations whenever I had the privilege of seeing him. Lived a worthwhile life fighting for worthwhile causes. Luke, I’m sorry for your loss. RIP.
I met Julian in 1966 when I was 14 years old because my mom got us involved as a host family for foreign students at WVU. At that time Julian was WVU Foreign Student Adviser.
That experience of meeting all those students from all over the world was only the first of many life changing and mind altering experiences which would happen after Julian came into our lives.
I wish more people would have had a Julian in their life.
Yours,
-Mike
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Some photos of Julian:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7FPhbf9uGgLfGcu96
Julian’s Legacy:
The News From Sam’s Branch: 50 years of political, social and environmental commentary and analysis by Julian Weldon Martin
I was one of those students that he inspired, both in and out of the classroom. A greater man of intellect and compassion for his fellow man, I have not met. His values are hopefully passed from me to my child, his children, and beyond. That is the greatest means of honoring his legacy I know of.
There remains a handful of former teachers from Duval High School who share a special bond with Julian for his leadership under some very trying times.