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Slater Martin Obituary
Martin died Thursday at a skilled nursing facility in Houston after a sudden illness, daughter-in-law Becky Martin said. She said he was admitted to the nursing home Monday.
Martin was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. He went into the University of Texas' Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1962, entered the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1964, and the school retired his No. 15 in 2009.
"I think he's the best defensive guard that ever lived. That includes all the ones right now," said Sid Hartman, the 92-year-old sports columnist for the Star Tribune of Minneapolis who served as the de-facto general manager of the Lakers.
Hartman recalled Martin's battles against Boston's Bob Cousy, marveling at how Martin was able to keep Cousy under wraps.
"He drove Cousy crazy," Hartman said Thursday night. "He was quick as a cat. He wasn't a great shooter or a great scorer, but he was a fantastic point guard."
The 5-foot-10 Martin averaged 9.8 points and 4.2 assists in 745 NBA regular-season game with Minneapolis, New York and St. Louis from 1949-50 to 1959-60. He averaged 10.0 points and 3.2 assists in 92 playoff games, winning titles with Minneapolis in 1950, '52, '53 and '54 and St. Louis in 1958.
"He was a tremendous ballhandler, a great competitor, and had a tremendous sense of humor," former Hawks radio announcer Skip Erwin said Thursday night at the Giants-Cardinals baseball playoff game. "He was 5-10. When he would play against Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics, it would look like you were watching two ballet dancers, because they both were so smooth.
"Also, he could have been a welterweight boxing champion, because he was a tough guy."
Martin played in seven All-Star games and was a five-time, second-team All-NBA selection.
Martin enrolled at Texas in the fall of 1943 and played four varsity games as a freshman. He went into military service in January 1944, and rejoined the Longhorns for the 1946-47 Final Four run that ended with a third-place finish. In his next-to-last game at Texas, he set a school record with 49 points in an 81-60 victory over TCU on Feb. 26, 1949.
He is survived by sons Jim and Slater Jr.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
57 Entries
rjeanne Pollard
December 21, 2015
I am sorr for your loss. Please contact me. Thank you. Jeanne Pollard, Jm's daught
Cynthia Hennessey
November 8, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cynthia (Cindy) Hennessey
November 8, 2012
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
mark Crownwall
October 24, 2012
God Bless you in the heaven, he was a successful sportman
How you can show support
October 23, 2012
To the Martin family, so sorry for your loss.Please accept my condolences.Know that God Almighty,has invited us to be guests' in his tent,for times indefinite.He has said that we could take refuge in the concealment of his wings.(pslm.61:4)
ms.mebane
Lesa Moller
October 22, 2012
My dad, Vilbry White was a former teammate at UT in the '40s. The two of them remained close friends until Vilbry passed away at age 84, a couple of months ago. It always struck me how quiet and unassuming Slater was, given his previous fame in the sports world. He and my dad seemed to care about each other like brothers.
I was fortunate to have accompanied my dad and Slater at the luncheon at UT celebrating the occasion of the retirement of Slater's jersey. As a UT basketball season ticket holder, I have smiled proudly when the video screen flashes his photo during the montage of great UT basketball moments. I also make a point of revering the 1947 banner at every game. This year will be especially poignant, now that both Slater and Vilbry are in heaven.
May Slater's family find great comfort in knowing the wonderful impact he had on so many people throughout his life.
Karen Yiengst-Klecka Family
October 22, 2012
Words are difficult to find when someone so full of love and extremely special as Mr. Martin leaves this world.
May God Bless Y'all today and always!
Darrell Corwin
October 22, 2012
I tried to teach my college teams the way Slater Martin played and coached his teams. To be agressive. He was a great player and coach but an even better man.
Alta White
October 22, 2012
My husband,Vilbry White,and Slater first met while playing on the UT basketball team in the late 40's. Slater was fresh out of his stint in the service and Vilbry a letterman who was the youngest member of the team, due to so many returning veterans. He took Vilbry under his wing and they became good friends. They remained so until the end of their lives. Vilbry passed away less than two months ago. While he was hospitalized, Slater talked with him almost every day to "see how he was doing". Although Slater himself was ill, he attended my husband's furneral. When I spoke with him later on the phone, he apologized for not staying longer, but had a doctor's appointment to keep. How typical of him to make the effort to come at all. During the last few years, the two of them met frequently at our home to share tales of the old days. They also spent many hours at Willie G's with Vilbry's sons-in-law and brothers, regaling all present with the stories of their youth. Slater had a prodigious
memory and we were always amazed that he could recall such detailed events of the past. Always kind, unassuming, as well as entertaining, much of what he had to say was self-deprecating and hilarious. He shall be sorely missed. I like to think that he and my husband are together again, free of worldly pain, and continuing their close friendship in heaven. May God bless them both. Alta White
October 22, 2012
To the Martin family: I pray God's comfort and strength is yours. Slater was one of the nicest individuals I have ever known, and the list is not long. RIP Slater.
Josie Aguilar
JDHS Alumni member
October 22, 2012
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU, HENRY-BECKY AND ALLAN KNOW THAT OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. LOVE TINA AND STEVE BRADY
Joyce, Nell, Jim and Don.
October 22, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
October 22, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Robert Hurst
October 21, 2012
I was asked to do a painting, about 5 years ago, of the only 3 All American Point guards in UT history, DJ Augustin, TJ Ford and Slater Martin. Being the artist for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame I knew he was a member. I called him up and we struck a friendship that lasted till the end. I'd take him out to a steak dinner whenever I would come through Houston and the entourage got bigger with each visit. I feel blessed to have been able to spend some time with him and I'm so happy that he was recognized, again, by the Texas Sports HoF back in August. I'll cherish the memories and condolences to the family.
Gary Baker
October 21, 2012
Slater has been a family friend for my 57 years. He and my dad (Stu Baker) were friends for there entire lives. My dad passed away in 2000. I have some incredible stories and memories of those two guys.Dugie and Jim Henry, you had an incredible Dad that would do most anything for people that he loved. God bless you and your families. This world will be at a loss without Slater, but Stu and God in heavan will prosper.
October 21, 2012
Henry, Becky, Allan ... I am very sorry for your loss. To know each of you, is to know that Slater was so much more than a remarkable ball player, but also an incredibly kind, generous, loving and giving man, who has (for generations) positively impacted and inspired others. He will most certainly be remembered and missed by many. In loving prayer.
My condolences,
mg
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
October 21, 2012
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE MARTIN FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. MARTIN.
Mary Towsen
October 21, 2012
Sad to here about dad, I know he will be greatly missed.
October 21, 2012
May the peace of God that excels all thought comfort the family members of Slater Martin during this time of grief.
October 21, 2012
I was fortunate to work on the golf tournament with Slater for several years and consider myself fortunate to spend those precious days with him. Thank you for sharing so much of him with our world.
Elizabeth Ruggles Class of '61 Jeff Davis
Tom Vetrano
October 20, 2012
Mr Martin was a fine credit to the human race. Don't think I have know a nicer person in my life.
He will be missed by all !
Brian McCarthy
October 20, 2012
If you could defend Bob Cousy, you must have been one special basketball player. Rest in peace.
Gary COLEMAN
October 20, 2012
sorry to hear my friend Slater passed away.He was a good person and a great golf partner.My condolences go out to his family.
Felton & Jenny Overbey
October 20, 2012
So sorry to hear my friend Slater is no longer with is in this life. He had great integrity and was a most competative person in sports. Our prayers go to his family.
October 20, 2012
Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Steven Nesbit
October 20, 2012
My Cousin was a great man. Slater Martin early Lakers Hall of Famer, dies at 86. I just saw him last year at my stepfather's funeral.
My best friend also came to the funeral with his Dad, Who ironically is the guy, That The Movie " The Junction Boys" was made after, (Don Watson). Don played under Bear Bryant as Quarterback for Texas A&M.
Well It was a Really Cool scene as I introduced My Cousin (Doog) Slater Martin to THE Junction boy Don Watson. Was a nice moment at a tragic time. He was a Cool Cousin and Loved my Mom. He said my Mom was the most Beautiful woman he had ever seen.
I just talked to my Mom, She can't Stop Crying. She said "Doog" was her Hero.
(Cousin) Steve and Martha Nesbit
October 20, 2012
Slater Martin is one of the "Honored Graduates" whose legacy has benefited numerous throughout his lifetime. Our deepest condolences to family, friends, and associates.
Bruce Martin
JDHS Class of 1957
Reuben Plachy
October 20, 2012
Coach Martin always remembered me. He always asked how my brother Richard was doing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
Reuben Plachy 1962
Bea Jacobs Rouse
October 20, 2012
Slater was such a genuine hero for all alumni and present students at Jeff Davis high School. He worked tirelessly in helping to improve the lives and futures of Davis students for the last decade or more. He helped to make it possible for the athletes to have a state-of-the-art field house, lovingly named after him.
Slater was the energy behind the yearly Slater Martin Golf Tournament benefiting Davis students. Other alumni had difficulty keeping up with him as he worked to bring in more golfers and then running around the course on a golf cart, making sure everyone was having a great time and made sure attendees opened their hearts for the good of the students. His cheery disposition and wonderful smile kept everyone moving--trying to keep up.
God broke the mold when he created this wonderful man. He will be sorely missed. Love you, Slater!
Roy
October 20, 2012
So sorry to hear of the death of Slater, may the God of all comfort be with you during this time of sadness.
R. H. Goodrich
October 20, 2012
The news of Slater's death at age 87 brings back a flood of happy memories of playing high school sports in my hometown of Houston in the 1960's and of the coaching clinics that Slater led and how he improved my basketball skills.
I will remember Slater Martin as a person of kindness, toughness and intensity and as a curiosity himself. At 5' 9" he couldn't have been a 4 time NBA champion, could he?
With sympathy to his loved ones and a giant "HOOK 'EM HORNS"
From a Texas Exes Life Member, and B. A., UT Austin (1972)
R. H. Goodrich
Chelsea Parker
October 20, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We were just talking about him two weekends ago. I am grateful that he will no longer have to suffer. May he now rest in peace and go be with Our Lord.
Cliff Hagan
October 19, 2012
As a teammate on the St. Louis Hawks NBA Championship Team of 1958 and ten years later an opposing coach of the ABA's Dallas Team against his ABA Houston's team I withnessed first hand the most competitive munchkin that ever played basketball anywhere and his caring for his teammates which was only excelled by his caring for his family. Unforunately, there will never be another Slater Martin, a role model for all time! My thoughts go to the Martin family. Cliff Hagan
Bradley "B. K." Johnson
October 19, 2012
Slats wrote the book on being a friend. He demonstrated what a friend is every day in every way. I say Thanks, Old Blue! We'll miss you.
Joy Larue (Loeffler) Walker
October 19, 2012
You life is a book and many people come into your life as a aline, a page or a chapter. I attended the University of Texas while Slater Martin was there. He was great basketball hero and I wa just another student. My last name began with the letter L so I sat next to Slater in some of our classes...what fun for me to get to know him as we endured some uninteresting lectures and get to watch him play basketball for Texas. I was at the game when he scored the 49 points in 1949 and how exciting that was. I have always the fact that I was at Texas and had classes with such great individuals as Bobby Layne, Tom Landry, and Slater Martin....has made my book of life a lot more exciting ...for me; Thank you Slater Martin and God grant your family peace that passes all understanding during their time of sorrow.
Jan Peltier
October 19, 2012
To the family of Dugan...I've heard many stories of his basketball career my entire life. Mom and Dad even told us kids they came to watch him play many times. His precious Fay met him at the gates of heaven. I can hear her saying "what took you so long" You will be missed Dugan! Prayers and Sympathy to Jim Henry, Becky, Dugie and the rest of the family. Love Evelyn and Jan
John G. Renken
October 19, 2012
Blessings to the Slater Martin Family
I admired him & his accomplishments.
I am a recent accquaintance of his thru the "Davis Lunch Bunch." I'm a mid termer - Class of "48 which is after his graduation & also not a sports fan,but respect those who play.
It was mentioned that he was ill,so he was on my prayer list. He will truly be missed by all. Sports, Business, Friends & his loving family. May the peace of GOD be with you.
John G. Renken
October 19, 2012
It was joy to watch him play for the St.Louis Hawk
Hank Moore
October 19, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Slater family. What a gentleman
Becky Green
October 19, 2012
Many blessings to the Martin family. Dugan and our dad were great friends! We thought the world of Dugan and he will be missed.
The Valton Green Family
Bruce Williams
October 19, 2012
Rest in Peace sir, met you as a youngster when my dad cooked at your restaurant...always super kind. My sincere condolences to the Martin family.
October 19, 2012
Dugan was my Dad's (Valton Green)best friend. They went to high school together at Jeff Davis. Dugan, and Daddy are having a wonderful time in heaven! Many blessings to his family.
Becky Green
Harry Simpson
October 19, 2012
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Chuck Downs Sr
October 19, 2012
Saw him play a number of times. One hell of player. May he RIP. Those were the days. My sincere condolences.
Stasia Graham-Marinelli
October 19, 2012
He was a good friend of my dads and we I played golf with him and duggie(sp)all the time @ Forest Cove. He was such a nice sweet man. We had alot of laughs and fun playing golf. He is up their and they are probably playing cards right now or talking golf or sports. He loved his sports. He will be truly missed by alot of people. You might be gone but will never be forgotten.
Wendy Pryor - Ainsworth
October 19, 2012
Prayers and much love to all of Slater's Family. He was such a nice man. Colin and Isabella send their prayers and love, as well.
The Cox Family
October 19, 2012
Our Dad played with Slater at Texas. Many great memories!
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Dan Cox
October 19, 2012
My Dad, Roy Cox, played on same UT team as Slater, in the 40's. I remeber as a kid, my parents talking about them, all the time. They were known as the "Mighty Mice" as only one, John Langdon, was over 6'. They were the winningest UT basketball team in the history of the university, until a few years ago. Roy Cox passed away at 60, in 1985, but we will always enjoy stories about those UT days. It must have been something to see. Condolences to the Martin family.
Vickie Johnson
October 19, 2012
I knew him as man that cared for his family very much. My heart goes out to my brother in law Henry, nephew Alan Martin and Great grandson Charles Henry. We shared many holidays together as a family and these will be remember as good times. Finding peace in the comfort of God's love. Amen
Elllen Kerr Kaye
October 19, 2012
I went to Jeff Davis High School with Slater. I remember him, I was always pray for him. Ellen Kerr Kaye
Betty Fowler
October 19, 2012
10/19/2012
My deepest sympathy to the family of Slater Martin. Slater is resting now in a deep sleep, waiting for the God of life to call his name. Slater will wake up and answer Him and come out to be with his loved ones again and this will be a joyous time. (John.11:43,44)
[email protected]
Judy Dargis
October 19, 2012
I worked for Slater when he coached the ABA's Houston Mavericks in the late 1960's. That was a huge honor for me. I respected and admired him and had loved watching him play basketball. God bless him and the family.
Ernie Falbo
October 19, 2012
As a high school student in the mid 1950's, I enjoyed listening to the late Boston Celtic Radio announcer, Johnny Most, describe Slater Martins' awesome defensive work against Bob Cousy. Slater Martin was both feared and respected by Celtic fans.
October 19, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Martin family. The loss of a dear loved one may be hard to bear. May the God of all comfort grant you the peace that excels all thought as you fondly remember your dear loved one. (Phill.4:8,9)
October 19, 2012
To the the family of Slater Martin - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
October 19, 2012
So sorry to read of your loss. He will be missed. My condolences to family.
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