Mr. Alden F. Martin Sr.'s Obituary
Alden F. "Fred" Martin, Sr., loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left this world behind to be with his Savior and Lord on Monday, February 13, 2012.
Fred was born July 8, 1925 in Eureka, Kansas to Fred and Helen Messenger Martin. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and a sister, Lucy Mae Presswood.
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Mary, four sons Alden and wife Phyllis of Pearland, David and wife Ginny of Waller, Mark and wife Ann of Tulsa, and Neal and wife Pam of Rosharon. Also missing their grandfather are Jeff Martin, Amy Black (Jay) Russell Martin (Meagan), Dottie Bennink (David), Keith Martin (Sarah), Erik Martin (Melissa), Miranda Martin, Mary Gravely (Eric), Derrick Martin, Michelle Boatright (Logan), Lindsey Hales (Jered), Adam Barfield, and Brian Barfield, 13 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and sisters, Dorothy Gook of Fountain Valley, California and Corylee Martin of Eureka, Kansas, and one brother, Charles Martin of Eureka, Kansas. Scattered across the United States are numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and a sister, Lucy Mae Presswood.
Fred was a WWII veteran, and served as a mailman second class in Pearl Harbor after volunteering in June of 1943 and training at Farragut, Idaho. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in March of 1946 while stationed at San Francisco, California.
After moving to Houston, Texas, he attended the University of Houston and graduated with a BS degree in psychology.
He met and married Mary during this time frame and began his family. Moving from Houston to Pearland in 1963, they joined the First United Methodist Church where Fred was active in church leadership, teaching the youth in MYF and was a teacher of the Search Light class. A dedicated Bible student, Fred and Mary hosted a Bible reading group in their home for many years every Friday night.
After retiring as a counselor from Texas Employment Commission, now known as the Texas Workforce Commission, Fred and Mary square and round danced across the United States with the Rhythm Aces. Fred loved camping with friends and he and Mary were members of the Cool Sam's RV club where he served as chaplain.
Most of all, after service to his Lord, Fred loved his wife and family, leaving them a rich legacy of Christian values, love and laughter. Visitation will be Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 5 to 7 pm at South Park Funeral Home, 1310 North Main, Pearland, Texas. Services will be held at First United Methodist Pearland, 2314 North Grand Avenue, Pearland, Texas at 11am on Friday, February 17, 2012. Rev. Bob Joiner will officiate and grandsons and friends will serve as pall bearers. Honorary pall bearers are members of the Searchlight class. Interment will be at South Park Cemetery immediately following the services.
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