Edward Franklin "Bill" Martin

Funeral services for Edward “Bill” Franklin Martin, age 86, will be held at 2 P.M., Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Madisonville Funeral Home in Madisonville, Texas. Interment will follow in Willowhole Cemetery near North Zulch. The Martin family will receive friends Friday, February 7th from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the funeral home.

Edward “Bill” Franklin Martin was born June 11, 1933 in McAlester, Oklahoma to Roy C. and Bertie (Tork) Martin. Bill was raised in Indianola, Oklahoma where upon high school graduation, he enlisted with the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Bill joined Phillips Petroleum Company traveling across the states.

Bill met his wife of 60 years, Barbara (Reynolds) Martin, while he was working in Sulphur, Oklahoma. The two wed November 7, 1959 and began traveling across the western US with Phillips for the next 35 years living in North Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Texas finally settling in Hilltop Lakes, Texas until their relocation to Madisonville in 1987. Bill retired from Phillips in 1995 after nearly 40 years of employment.

Bill adored his wife and family, especially his grandsons. He took great pride in maintaining his yard for others to enjoy. He found pleasure in building things around his home, constructing things for his grandsons, and just overall tinkering with anything that might need repair. He could be found visiting with neighbors as they drove by and always offering to help anyone in need. His home, brightly decorated each Christmas, was a delight for many in the community. Bill never met a stranger. He was a man of his word combined with a firm handshake. His family was his pride and joy which he loved deeply, served loyally and supported above and beyond with his dependability.

Bill passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 in Bryan, Texas. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his two sisters, Opal Harmon and Syble Barker.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Martin of Madisonville; son, Miles Martin and wife Alicia of Garland; daughter Saundra Morris and husband Greg of Giddings and his beloved grandsons, Aaron Martin, Alex Martin, Aric Martin, Jared Martin, Grant Morris and Cort Morris and his adored cousin, Mallie Jean Mize of Norman, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Madisonville First Baptist Church or the Sonshine Center in his memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home in Madisonville, Texas.