Donald Kirk "Don" Martin

Much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, Donald "Don" Kirk Martin of Fernandina Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the age of 69. He will be remembered for the unwavering love and support of his family, his kind and humble nature, and the honesty and integrity upon which he lived every day.
He and his wife, Kathy were married in 2016 and together they filled their life with laughter, travel, and family adventures. Don was the proud father of Donald Kraig (Pikeville, NC) and Seth Allen Dennis (Bryan, TX).
Don was born on August 19, 1956 in San Angelo, TX to Donald Karl and Jacqueline Mae Martin (née Vaillancourt). He grew up in Mesquite, TX and graduated from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, TX in 1974. After graduating from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX and from the University of Texas in Austin, with a Masters of Public Health, Don embarked on a distinguished career in safety and risk management that spanned 4 decades and culminated with a focus on Serious Injury and Fatality Prevention. His tireless pursuit of protecting workers has saved countless lives.
Don was an accomplished athlete starting as a competitive and successful cross-country runner (Sam Houston State University Track & Field) to later being an avid cyclist. He was an active member of the North Florida Bike Club and could be seen many mornings cycling around Amelia Island. He was a lover of all things sports and a lifelong fan of the Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys.
Don had a lifelong curiosity for knowledge and was a captivating storyteller. He was a lover of the finer things in life especially music, red wine, and bourbon. He was a lifelong collector of all things Snoopy.
Don will be greatly missed and forever remembered for his positive outlook, his calming spirit and his extraordinary ability to lift those around him. To his family and friends, he was both an anchor and light, someone who gave everything of himself and asked for nothing in return.  His remarkable life will forever be an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege to know Don.
Don is survived by his loving wife Kathy (née Culig); his sons, Donald (Sarah), Seth; and his mother Jacqueline Mae. Forever cherished and remembered by his two grandchildren, Charlotte and Johnny. Siblings and their families; Cheryl (Michael) Carathers, Jim Martin, Diana Koop and Linda (John) Denton. His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews. He will be forever cherished by the Culig family; Olga, Bob Jr., Kayli (Malcom) Hartman, Isla, and Annie and Danny (Krissy), Riley, and Parker.
Don was predeceased by his father Donald Karl Martin and father-in-law Robert Culig.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our neighbor Nancy who was there for us on the night of his passing. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the Fernandina Beach EMT, Firefighters, and Police for doing everything they could. And lastly, thank you to everyone at Oxley-Heard for their thoughtfulness and compassion during this difficult time.
A celebration of Don's life will be held in Southlake, TX in December. Further details will be shared soon.
Donations may be made in Don's memory to a cause or charity of your choice.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com