Thomas Gene Martin

Thomas Gene Martin, passed away at the age of 80 years on Monday, March 13, in his sleep while at home in Georgetown, and in the presence of family.
He was born on April 6, 1942, in Beeville, Texas. He graduated from William Adams High School in Alice and attended Delmar College in Corpus Christi where he met the love of his life, Carolyn Joan Cunningham Martin. They were married at Park Temple Baptist Church in Houston on November 3, 1962, and celebrated their 60th anniversary last November.
As a boy, Gene loved horseback riding, and his favorite horse was named Dixie Bell. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad. He was a Boy Scout until age 18 and loved to tell the story written of their adventures, On the Sands of Padre Island with Explorer Post 123 by Richard O. Albert. They started at the mouth of the Rio Grande with a plan to hike 121 statute miles along the beach, the entire length of Padre Island to Corpus Christi Pass. Twenty-four members of Explorer Post 123 began this journey and only ten completed this trek, including Gene and his cousin, Mike Smith – "The Filthy Ten". Gene is mentioned specifically in Richard O. Albert's book: Gene Martin is an Associate Advisor of Post 123. He, like Mike Smith (Gene's Cousin) is a Star Scout. He is attending Del Mar College and a member of the Order of the Arrow. Gene Martin always had a lot of energy. He was the most ardent popper of the Portuguese man-of-war, and he would friskily chase the poor little ghost crabs until they disappeared
Fishing was a special activity that Gene enjoyed throughout his life. His favorite place was Matagorda Bay, which resulted in many fishing trips with Carolyn, his sons, grandchildren, and friends. The Fisherman's Motel was the place to stay, with all the accommodations a true fisherman needed. The days would start well before the sun came up, and fried chicken was the favorite food to eat while out on the boat! His family always hoped these trips were successful so that a fish fry could be enjoyed together.
Gene was a man of many talents, and he became somewhat of a local celebrity when he started re-caning chairs. He was meticulous in his work, and that craftsmanship showed in the 300 plus chairs he worked on until he was no longer able to do so. He stayed busy even after his "retirement" by working at Georgetown Antique Mall, his and Carolyn's store on the square. Many friends would stop by over the years just to visit.
There was not much that Gene was prouder of than his family. He rarely missed his sons' many football games, baseball games or track meets, and he shared the sideline as a coach on several of their teams. Many times, he was the only parent attending freshman high school events! He was once a Georgetown Eagle fan but converted to an East View fan to watch and support his grandsons' many sporting events. They always knew Papa would be in the stands cheering them on, and he would be waiting for them after the game to do their special handshake. Papa also made as many trips to Tomball as he could to watch games, band concerts, dances, and theater performances. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was so proud of each of them.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas Birch Martin and Mayme Gladys Myers; sister, Lois (Cedar) Hansen Hayes; brother, Wilmer (Buster) Leon Martin; and daughter, Donna Lynn Martin. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of Georgetown; his son, Thomas (Sonny) Martin Jr and wife, Jeremi, of Tomball; his son, Jeffrey Lee Martin and wife, Nikki, of Georgetown; five grandchildren: Chase, Ashlyn, Benjamin, Jacob, and Luke Martin.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 1:00 PM with the memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM at Heritage Baptist Church (1601 FM 971, Georgetown, Texas 78626). Honorary pallbearers are Gene's four grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Gene's name to Heritage Baptist Church; www.heritagebaptist.church/online-giving.