By Amy Townsend
Some stories are easy to write. This one wasn’t. Not because there isn’t enough to say about Mundy Martin, but because after 56 years in business, where do you even begin?
Do you start with the thousands of customers he helped? The employees who worked alongside him? Or do you simply start by saying thank you?
Because for a lot of people in Hennessey, Kingfisher, and the surrounding communities, Mundy Martin has always just been there. A familiar face. A trusted handshake. A man who built a business one relationship at a time.
And somehow, after all these years, the details may change a little, but the smile that follows never does, that familiar, slightly ornery grin we all know so well.
Over the years, L&M Supply became more than a place to buy parts and supplies. It became one of those businesses people trusted because they knew the man behind the counter.
For over 5 decades, customers walked through those doors looking for parts, supplies, or answers. What they found was a man who genuinely enjoyed people. A man who took time to visit. A man who understood that business was never really about what was being sold, but who you were serving.
When I asked what he’ll miss most about coming to work each day,. “The people. I like people.”
Mundy’s journey began long before L&M Supply. Born in Pawhuska as one of ten children, he and his twin sister were the babies of the family. After serving in the United States Army from 1958 to 1964.
In July of 1970, at just 31 years old, Mundy found himself at a crossroads. His employer wanted him to move to Mississippi. Mundy had other plans.
Alongside partner Oran Lloyd, he opened L&M Supply and set out to build something of his own right here in Oklahoma.
Of the many stories Mundy could have shared, one still stands out. While sitting in the office one day, an employee released the pressure from a pump in the shop, and debris went flying. The blast was so powerful he thought the entire building had come down around him. “It went from the back of the shop all the way to the road.” Thankfully, no one was injured, and the hole remains visible to this day.
While the business grew to employ as many as nine people at one time, family remained at the center of everything. Mundy and Sharon are proud parents of Cory Martin, Craig Martin, Mike Haymaker, and Tammy Marsh, and are blessed with 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
As for advice to the next generation? His answer was as straightforward as you’d expect. “First, learn how to work. And if you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask.” Simple advice from a man who spent more than half a century proving exactly what that looks like.
At 87 years old, it seemed only fitting to ask what retirement might look like. “Whatever I want to do,” Mundy replied. Before he could say much more, Sharon gave her two cents. “Napping.” The speed of her response suggested she knows him better than anyone.
There are far too many people to thank by name, but Mundy wanted everyone to know how grateful he is for the support, friendships, and memories made over the years.
Like any journey, there were ups and downs, but in the end, he considers himself fortunate.
And while retirement may officially be here, don’t be surprised if you stop by L&M Supply and see him from time to time. After all some places just feel like home.
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