Biography: Martin Borchert was born on January 16, 1916, in Stuttgart Arkansas, the third child of Fred and Helena Borchert. He is preceded in death by his wife Rosemary (Biddy) Borchert, by his parents Fred and Helena Borchert, a brother Carl Borchert, and two sisters Ester Borchert and Dorothy Mae Fell. Martin died peacefully on May 11, 2007. He is survived by his son John (Topper) Borchert and his wife, Sylvia, daughter Leslie Borchert Wilson and her daughter Meghan Wilson, a sister Viola Peacock, and brothers Howard Borchert, Max Borchert and Donald Borchert. Martin graduated from Stuttgart High School in 1934. He moved to Little Rock where he remained until his death. Upon moving to Little Rock, Martin attended Draughon's School of Business where Martin used to brag he typed faster than anyone else. He then went to work for ACME Brick Company starting as bookkeeper apprentice. He stayed with ACME for 21 years, except during his service with the Army Air Corp. Martin ended his career with ACME having become Division Sales Manager. In May 1942, Martin volunteered with the Army Air Corp. and trained to be a pilot. He was stationed in England flying missions over Germany as part of the 8th Air Force, flying 30 missions in the B-17 Flying Fortress until his overseas duty ended. Martin was part of the 351st Bombardment Group which existed from 1942-1945. Martin's group took part in the first daylight bombing mission over Berlin. After leaving combat duty in England, Martin became an instructor pilot in the B-29 Super Fortress stateside. For his service to his country Martin received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and his group received the Presidential Unit Citation. Upon his release from service, Martin returned to Little Rock and resumed work with ACME Brick Co. He also met a beautiful woman, Rosemary Branch. They were married on January 22, 1947 and remained devoted to each other for 57 years until her death on May 15, 2004. Back in Little Rock, Martin displayed his continued service by his community involvement. In 1965 Martin was elected to the Little Rock City Board of Directors. From 1968 - 1970 Martin served as Mayor. During his tenure, the city benefited from his leadership and forward sightedness. For example, during his term of office plans began for what is now known as Riverfront Park. Other civic achievements included being a member of the Board of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, being on the Governor's Citizens Advisory Committee, a member of the Pulaski County Quorum Court, vice chairman of the Arkansas Planning Commission, and being on the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council. In 1967 he served on the President's National Advisory Council to the Small Business Administration. Martin was also vice president of the Arkansas Municipal League, a charter member of the Pulaski County Junior Deputy Sheriffs and served on the Little Rock Water Commission, including a tenure as chairman. In 1985, Martin also was chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Policy Board and as chairman oversaw the transfer of the Central Arkansas Transit system to the Central Arkansas Transit Authority. In June 2002, Martin was honored at the Arkansas Arts Center Flag Day celebration for his contributions to the city, state and country. One of the achievements Martin was very proud of was that he was one of the very first in Arkansas to receive an Adopt the Highway road. Martin chose for his stretch of road Cantrell Rd. from Kavanaugh to the Junior Deputy Baseball complex. Up until a few years ago, you could see Martin most Saturday mornings maintaining his stretch of adopted highway. In 2006, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department issued Martin a commendation for his continued support of the program. Aside from his community duties, Martin also was active in civic affairs. He was a member of the Rotary Club, the Little Rock Club, the Country Club of Little Rock, the Arkansas Home Builders Association, and served on the Board of Directors of the original Twin City Bank from 1971 to 1995. Martin was a 32nd degree Mason. A great achievement was that in 2005, Martin was inducted into the Arkansas Construction Hall of Fame. Martin was above all interested and active in the political arena. Starting in 1968 he was instrumental in helping Dale Bumpers emerge as a winning candidate for Governor of Arkansas. Martin was the Finance Chairman of Bumpers' campaign for Governor and later served as Senate legislative liaison and as Bumpers' aide handling political appointments. Martin continued his friendship and political assistance to help Dale Bumpers win his United States Senate seat. Martin also served on the campaign of a then up and coming Attorney General, former President Bill Clinton in his first run for Governor of Arkansas. Governor Clinton appointed Martin to be Director of Building Services a position he held for two years. Martin also was a behind-the-scenes politico and helped many who aspired to be in political office achieve their dreams. He served as a lobbyist in the Arkansas Legislature. Martin along with others like George Wimberley met regularly to discuss the politics of the day. Martin was also a very successful businessman. After leaving ACME Brick Co., Martin purchased a building supplies company and named it Martin Borchert Co. in North Little Rock. He formed, along with Jim Russenburger, Lara Hutt and Phil Perini, ASCO Hardware a business in which he took great interest up until his death. Other businesses included Detection Systems, Inc. and Component Systems, Inc. Throughout all of these many community, civic and business activities, the one thing you could be sure of, was that when duck season started, nothing got in the way. Martin was an avid duck hunter often guiding others to favorite places in and around Stuttgart. He recounted the days when ducks were so plentiful that they blackened the sky. Being an outdoorsman, Martin also enjoyed quail and dove hunting. Finally, although not by any means to mark an end to the life story of Martin, he was devoted to his church, First United Methodist Church of Little Rock. He and Rosemary were married there and although baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran, Martin became a life-long member of First United Methodist Church. During his membership he gave of his time and served in many capacities including chairman of the Board of Stewards a position he held while also serving on the Little Rock City Board of Directors. He was a member of the Faulkner Sunday School class. Most especially Martin loved people and his favorite position at the Church was meeting and greeting members and visitors alike as an usher. The Church likewise remained devoted to Martin throughout his stay at Briarwood Nursing and Rehab Center bringing him fresh flowers every week and regularly visiting him and praying with him. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the many devoted friends from the Church who took the time to visit with him. The family would also like to thank the staff of Briarwood for taking such good care of Martin. While Martin did not want to be there because he was so fiercely independent, the staff understood and helped him adjust. In addition, the family thanks the staff of Health Care Odyssey for their care of Martin especially the last few days of his life. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 14th at Ruebel Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, on Tuesday, May 15th at 11:00 a.m. Honorary pall bearers are the ushers of First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make donations in memory of Martin can make them to First United Methodist Church, 8th and Center Streets, Little Rock, AR 72201, Alzheimer's Arkansas Programs and Services, 10411 West Markham, Suite 130, Little Rock, AR 72205, or a charity of your choice.