David Lynn Martin

David L. Martin went to be with the Lord on February 5, 2024.

David was born September 9, 1944, in Pampa, Texas, to L.D. and Aline Martin. His early years were characterized by a sense of duty and service, as evidenced by his service to the Air Force from 1961 to 1965. As an airplane mechanic, David’s fascination with all things airplanes was ignited—a passion that would define one of his life’s pursuits. He owned his own plane for a time, and rented airplanes on other occasions, sharing his joy of flying with friends and family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

David’s enthusiasm wasn’t limited to the skies. His passion extended to all things powered by engines—motorcycles, boats, RVs, and cars. A self-taught man, his curiosity and ability to learn anything he set his mind to were unparalleled. He mastered the complexities of programming, for example, which paved the way for a successful career at Cabot Company, The Foxboro Company and Mobil Oil/ExxonMobil. He rose through the ranks at these companies, applying his keen mind to the management of refineries and petrochemical processing as well as engineering the things that made these refineries run. His intelligence, coupled with a sense of humor and a charm that endeared him to people, made him a cherished colleague and friend.

At the heart of David’s world were his family—His wife of 28 years, Romanell…his love for her was beacon of devotion. He adored her in every way; his children and grandchildren, with whom he shared not just his time but his wisdom, knowledge, and laughter; his siblings who he thought the world of; and his nephews and niece.  As he grew older, these moments with his family became his most treasured times. He loved being around family.

David enjoyed his career, he loved to travel, and he loved…. and hated the Dallas Cowboys. He loved the joy of a good meal, ice cream, and Hershey’s bars. He was a man who recognized his imperfections, too, learning from them to grow over time into a better father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

David was preceded in death by his sweet wife, Romanell Martin; his father, L.D. Martin; his mother, Aline Martin; his brothers-in- law, Rusty Freedlander and Michael Baluck; and a number of other extended family members. He is survived in death by his children – daughters, Chris Stagg and husband, Cory and Michelle Anderson and husband, George; and son, Brad Martin and wife, Kristi; grandchildren, Taylor Stagg, Phillip McCurry, Clare Stagg, Ashley Anderson, Meagan Anderson, Zackary Martin, Kaleb Martin; siblings – brother, Nick Martin and sister, Anita Freedlander; nephews, James Martin and Chadwick Freedlander and wife, Danielle; niece, Mandy Allen and husband, Ken; along with great-nephews, Reese Allen and Bennett Freedlander.

Today, as we remember David, we celebrate not just the man he was but the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of resilience, humor, hard work, and much more. We will miss his snarky wit, his bright smile, his funny sayings, and the comfort of knowing we could call on him if we needed anything.

Rest in peace, Daddy. Your journey here may have ended, but your story continues in each of us and in our memories forever.

We love you!

A graveside service for Mr. Martin will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024, at China Cemetery, Benoit Avenue, China, with Reverend Michelle Anderson officiating, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to: Hospice Promise Foundation https://lhcgroup.com/foundation/ or  Wayfinders Church https://wayfinders.info/giving.