Longtime Benton Housing Authority Director Curtis Earl Martin Dies at 91

Martin was a lifelong resident of Benton, Kentucky who enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his large family.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:28am

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Curtis Earl Martin, a 91-year-old resident of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at his home. Martin was the longtime Director of the Benton Housing Authority before retiring. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and farming, and was a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church. Martin is survived by his two sons, two daughters, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Why it matters

Martin's passing marks the end of an era for the Benton community, where he served as a public servant and was deeply involved in the local community for decades. His life and work left a lasting impact on the town and its residents.

The details

Curtis Earl Martin was born on June 24, 1934 in Providence, Kentucky to William 'Bill' Martin and Anna Lee Wallace Martin. Before retiring, he served as the Director of the Benton Housing Authority. In his free time, Martin enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and farming. He was a longtime member of the New Bethel Baptist Church.

  • Curtis Earl Martin passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Martin was born on June 24, 1934 in Providence, Kentucky.

The players

Curtis Earl Martin

A 91-year-old resident of Benton, Kentucky who served as the longtime Director of the Benton Housing Authority before retiring. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and farming, and was a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church.

William 'Bill' Martin

Curtis Earl Martin's father.

Anna Lee Wallace Martin

Curtis Earl Martin's mother.

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The takeaway

Curtis Earl Martin's passing marks the end of an era for the Benton community, where he served as a public servant and was deeply involved in the local community for decades. His life and work left a lasting impact on the town and its residents.