01/29/2026
On Sunday, January 11, 2025, the halls of Asa Smith Funeral Service in Harrah, Oklahoma, were filled with a little more laughter and a lot more secrets than usual. The team gathered to pull off a monumental surprise for a man who has spent his life surprising others with kindness: John Bill Martin.
The occasion was twofold: John celebrated his 90th birthday on January 12, and he is simultaneously marking 25 years of unwavering commitment to Asa Smith Funeral Service—the last ten of which he has served in a full-time capacity.
The Man Known as “Mr. Harrah”
To the people of Harrah, John is much more than a staff member; he is a local institution. Known affectionately as “Mr. Harrah,” John is often the first face families see when they walk through our front doors. His presence is so integral to their home that the community room now proudly bears his name.
John’s touch is everywhere you look. He meticulously decorates the "John Bill Martin Community Room" to reflect the changing seasons and oversees the fountain in front of the funeral home, changing its colors periodically to brighten the day of every passerby.
The Heartbeat of the Front Office
While many at 90 are looking to slow down, John’s daily "to-do" list would tire someone half his age. Every morning, John is the one who:
• Unlocks the doors and lights the candles.
• Brews the coffee and prepares the cookies.
• Makes the daily bank deposits and collects the mail.
• Ensures the flags from the local post office are delivered to the cleaners for pressing.
Perhaps most impressively, because John knows nearly every soul in town, he continues to write approximately 60% of the obituaries for the funeral home, ensuring each life story is told with the personal touch it deserves.
A Voice That Carries
John’s influence extends far beyond our doors. A retired educator of 55 years, he remains a prolific writer. His weekly column, which covers local sports, is syndicated in 37 small-town Oklahoma newspapers. If you’ve attended a Harrah High School football, baseball, or softball game, you’ve likely heard his voice over the speakers, as he still serves as the local announcer during sports seasons.
How does he stay so sharp? John credits his faith and his fitness. He is a weekly churchgoer and, weather permitting, walks two miles in the local park every single day.
A Celebration for "The Man, The Myth, The Legend"
The surprise luncheon and two-hour "meet and greet" held this past Sunday was a testament to the lives John has touched. Friends, neighbors, and his "funeral home family" filled the room to celebrate the man who has spent a quarter-century taking care of them.
John Bill Martin, you are truly the "Man, the Myth, and the Legend" of Harrah. Thank you for 25 years of service, for your tireless work ethic, and for showing us all what it looks like to live a life of purpose.
Happy 90th Birthday, John!
