Paul J. Martin

Paul J. Martin, 76, of Owensboro, was surrounded by his family as he went to be with the Lord on November 11, 2025, while under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. Paul was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on February 2, 1949, to the late Mary Wethington Martin and Joseph Martin.

He was a 1967 graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School, where he was recognized as an All-City athlete in 1965 and 1966 and named All-State Quarterback in 1966. Paul went on to play football at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1971. A proud Wildcat, he founded and served as the first president of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association in Owensboro. During his time at UK, Paul was a member of the football team that defeated Archie Manning's Ole Miss Rebels in one of the program's most memorable victories. In that game, Paul intercepted a pass from Archie Manning in the end zone that would have won the game for Ole Miss, which sealed a 10–9 victory for Kentucky. He later officiated in the Southeastern Conference as a football referee for ten years.

Paul devoted his professional life to building and community development. He was the President of Paul J. Martin Builders, Inc., and worked in the building profession beginning in 1971. He served as President of the Home Builders Association of Owensboro in 1974, 1979, and 2000, and chaired the Parade of Homes in 1974 and 1977. Paul was also the owner of Paddock Swim and Tennis Club.

Deeply committed to his community, Paul served as Vice Chairman of the Owensboro Board of Education, on which he began serving in 1992. He also served on numerous local boards, including the Green River Educational Foundation, the Owensboro Municipal Utilities Commission, where he served as Chairman for one year after nearly a decade of service, the First Security Bank Board, the German American Bank Board, and the Greenwell Foundation.

His dedication to service extended far beyond his professional commitments. Paul was a past president of the United Way of Owensboro/Daviess County, the Owensboro Family YMCA, and the Western Little League. He also served on the boards of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and the Audubon Area Boy Scouts. His work with the YMCA earned him national recognition when he received the YMCA of the USA Distinguished Leadership Award. A lifelong supporter of youth and athletics, Paul was passionate about Owensboro Catholic High School and supported it in many ways throughout his life.

Family was the center of Paul's life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who never wanted to miss a moment. Whether coaching his children's teams, driving them to dance, tennis, or camp, or cheering from the sidelines, he was always there. That same love and dedication continued with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he often traveled hours to attend their events and was present for milestones big and small, including their first days of school. Paul was a compassionate and prideful man, the true definition of unconditional love. He was always willing to help anyone in need and took great joy in seeing others succeed. He also valued staying active, enjoying cycling, running, tennis, and participating in triathlons throughout his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Kim Dominick.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Benita Murphy Martin; children Brian Martin and his wife Debbie of Naples, FL; Molly Woods and her husband Chris of Nashville; and Jenny Grubb and her husband Jarrod of Murfreesboro; step-daughter, Allison Lanham and her husband Shane, of Owensboro; grandchildren Ashton Rice (Derek), Morgan Booze (Taylor), Tanner Martin, Mary Pearson Woods, Will Woods, Maddy Dare Grubb, and Alexis Dominick; great-grandchildren, Brayden Dominick, Riggins Rice, Sutton Booze and Merritt Booze; brother, Jerry Pat Martin; and sisters, Rita Martin and Therese Vali.

The funeral Mass for Paul J. Martin will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with prayers at 6:30. Visitation on Saturday will be from 9:00 am until 10:30 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow the Mass at Saint Anthony Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the OCHS Athletic Endowment Fund, 1524 W. Parrish Ave. Owensboro, KY 42301or Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen's Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301

Condolences and memories for Paul’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.