Richard “Ricky” Martel
Richard “Ricky” Martel, 67, of Winnie, died Monday, September 8, 2025. He was born on February 15, 1958, in Beaumont, to Azelie Marie LeJune Martel and Shelby Joseph Martel.
Survivors include his wife, Gail Martel; children, Miranda Martel; Hank Hargraves and his wife, Daisy; Lesli Mims; and Dakota McFarland; grandchildren, Major, Ivy, and Rain Hargraves, and Lotti Mims; Sisters, Sandy Martel; and Diana Spivey and her husband, Darren; and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Shelby and Azelie “DeeDee” Martel.
Ricky graduated from Hardin-Jefferson High School in 1977, where he was active in 4-H, FFA, and played on the football team. During his sophomore year, he was proudly voted “Most Handsome” by his classmates.
He began his career at Martel Welding Shop before transitioning into the trucking industry, a field where he would leave a lasting mark. Over the years, Ricky worked for several notable companies, including Texaco and Sun Oil, and also spent time driving a dump truck. His commitment to excellence and safety on the road earned him a prestigious Million-Mile Safe Driving Award from Enron.
In 1999, Ricky founded R & G Trucking, specializing in hauling heavy equipment. He took great pride in owning and operating his own business, a reflection of his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
Ricky and Shelby raised cattle and deer together, spending countless hours tending to their animals with care and dedication. He also enjoyed making sausage alongside the entire Martel family—a cherished tradition and true family affair that he took great pride in. A lover of the outdoors, Ricky was an avid hunter who found peace in nature. He had a heart of gold and deeply valued time spent with his family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, donation link.
A gathering of Mr. Martel’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Broussard’s 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Winnie
- 134, Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- September 11, 2025
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Winnie
- 134, Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- September 12, 2025
- 11:00 am
Interment
Fairview Cemetery-Winnie
- 213, Fairview Cemetary Drive, Winnie, Texas, 77665,
- September 12, 2025
Sorry to hear about Ricky’s passing Prayer’s Fot Mrs Gail And The Family Ricky Was A Great Guy Always A Smile My Heart ❤️ Goes Out To The Family 🙏🙏🙏
Sending sincere condolences and prayers for the entire Martel family. May Ricky rest in peace.
Tina Hawley Almond
Prayers for the family and friends.
I will forever love u daddy and I miss u like crazy I can’t believe it gone i.love u more than u will ever know
Thoughts and prayers for the family, I had the pleasure of working with him many years ago. He always had a smile on his face.
Gail and Family, we’re so sorry to hear of Ricky’s passing. Sending Our Most Heartfelt Condolences to You and Your Family. God Bless You All.
I remember him when I worked in winnie. He was a regular at our store. Nice Man. RIP.
Sorry for your loss
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Martel family Ricky will be missed. I know the Martel family from Nome . Just remember Ricky is going to look down on y’all . Y’all are in my prayers and thoughts.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
I am so very sorry to see this about Ricky. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends🙏🙏❤️
Hank and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cherish the memories.
Miranda,Gail, Diana, & Sandy, I am sorry to hear of Ricky’s death, but so glad he is no longer suffering. Please know that y’all are in my thoughts and prayers, love y’all, CarolynAbney
So sorry to hear.
I am so very sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort.