Funeral Services for Herbert Lee Martin Sr. (92) of Brownwood will be held Friday, July 15th, at 10:30 AM at Davis-Morris Funeral Home with the Reverend Bill Slaymaker officiating. Interment will follow at Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, July 14th, from 6-8 PM at Davis Morris Funeral Home Chapel.
Herbert was born March 10, 1919 in Fisk, Texas, the 4th child born to Wallace Ewing and Mattie Pearl Martin. He was married to Naomi Berry in 1938. She died the following year. He joined the Air Corps in 1941 and served faithfully for four years during World War II, where his duties took him to Puerto Rico and the West Indies. He married Juanita Self in 1944. She died in 1972. He was married to Helen Callaway Evans on December 8, 1973. He passed away at Brownwood Skilled Nursing at 4 PM on July 12th 2011. He loved God, family, and country.
Herbert grew up in the Oxene Community in Runnels County and went to school in a two-room school. That school consolidated with Crews, where he played in the state basketball championship game. They borrowed Winters gymnasium from time to time since their court was an outside dirt court. He graduated from Mozelle High School.
Herbert was an agricultural nutritionist, working in that capacity for many years as superintendent of operations for Lamkin Brothers. He later owned his own business, L & M Mineral, with partner, Herbert Lamkin. After his marriage to Helen, they established their business of providing rental property in Brownwood until his retirement at the age of 80. He received his 60 year certificate and diamond pin from the Masons last year.
Herbert is survived by his wife of 37 years, Helen; one brother, Dr. Billy Joe Martin, and wife Jerry of Hattiesburg, MS; 6 children, Roneal Martin and wife Terri of Palm City, FL; Herbie Martin and wife Ima of Early; Rick Martin and wife Sherrie of Brownwood; Sandra Correll of Pflugerville; Betty Young and husband Bill of Austin; Joe Evans and wife Donna of Bangs; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law: Rene Flatt, Lavoy Jones, Elfreda Franz, Janice Martin, Margie Martin, and Rita Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Naomi Berry Martin; his wife, Juanita Self Martin; his brothers Fred Martin and wife Tiny; J.M. Martin and wife Cleo; Curtis Martin and wife Reba; Leland Martin and wives Dorothy and Maxine; sisters Stella Moore and husband Clifford; and Pearl Akins Nelson and husbands James and Clifford; and one son-in-law, Mike Correll.
The family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff and numerous friends who have lovingly and faithfully cared for him in his 12 year battle with cancer and time of recovery following life-changing auto accidents. Special thanks to the amazing staff at Brownwood Skilled Nursing who embraced not only Herbert and Helen but lovingly cared for our entire family.
