Martin Cargile

Martin Cargile, 86, died Thursday, October 8, 2009, at an Abilene medical center. Born in Roaring Springs, Texas on August 2, 1923, he was the son of Homer Cargile and Bertha (Martin) Cargile. He graduated from Spur High School in 1940, and served in World War II as a tail gunner on a B17 in the 100th Bomb Group, 8th Army Air Corps stationed in England. After the war he attended Highland University and McMurry College. Martin married Viola Mills on December 25, 1942 in Abilene. They had nearly 67 years together In 1956 he purchased Ozarka Bottled Water Co. and Culligan Soft Water Co. Later, after selling these businesses, he established Martin Cargile Water Co., wholesaling and delivering spring water from his spring in Mena, Arkansas to bottled water dealers in several states. He retired in 1994. An avid golfer, Martin played nearly every day until he was 85. He also enjoyed bowling and watching all sports. He was a Baptist. Martin was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Martin Lee Cargile, in 2004; one brother, Harold Cargile; and one brother-in-law, Jack Williams. Survivors include his wife, Viola of Abilene; one daughter, Cay Collins (Steve) of Baird; one son, Brad Cargile (Pam) of Austin; one daughter-in-law, Karen Cargile of Abilene; one brother, Al (Wanda) Cargile of Whitney; one granddaughter, Tessa Cargile; three grandsons, Martin Peter Cargile, Mason Cargile, and Kyle Collins; and two sisters-in-law, Merle Cargile and Nita Williams. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Elmwood Memorial Park with Rev. David Cason and Brad Helbert officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605; or Meals On Wheels Plus, Inc., P.O. Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604-0903.