1946
Howard
2011
Howard Wayne Martin
February 28, 1946 — March 18, 2011
The world lost an Illinois flatlander-turned-Texan when Howard Wayne Martin -- a humble man with a big heart and a wonderful curiosity about many things in life -- passed away Friday, March 18 at the age of 65 at his home in Wylie, Texas.
Howard, who forever carried the nickname "Butch", was born Feb. 28, 1946 in Olney, Illinois, to Joseph N. Martin and Lottie Fae (Densmore) Martin. Both preceded him in death. Howard and his brother Joe, who also preceded him in death, were raised by Joseph, known as "Short" and Lottie in Cisne, Illinois.
Howard served in the United States Air Force from 1964-68, and then moved to Dallas, Texas. So while it's true that Howard didn't grow up with a Texas drawl, he carried it well, and his unforgettable slow and easy style of speaking was also a part of his great charm and warmth. Howard started a long career with Texas Instruments as a machinist in 1969. He worked for TI until his official retirement in 2003.
His eventual retirement was prompted by a severe stroke that Howard suffered in 2001. His loving wife Patricia L. (Smalley) Martin was the primary caregiver and ever-present soul mate for Howard these past 10 years. Together they endured a long, hard medical battle that including many challenges and a never-ending series of ups and downs, but always they met the challenges, no matter how difficult, side-by-side.
Howard also received much care and support from his daughter, Angie, who, like her mother, offered unfailing love no matter the situation. Angie was very special to Howard. One of his proudest moments in life was seeing his daughter graduate from college.
Howard and Pat were married on Feb. 11, 1977 in Dallas at the home of Pat's older sister, Deb (Smalley) Greening. Along with his wife, Howard is survived by daughter Angela L. (Martin) Buckner, son-in-law Jason Buckner, granddaughter Madison J. Buckner and grandson Austin R. Buckner, along with many loving sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Howard was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he quickly won the hearts of the extended Smalley family that he married into in 1977. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing and being outdoors, and loved to read the newspaper and play dominos and card games of all types when indoors. Despite the medical challenges in recent years, Howard and Pat were able to travel together, often to visit family around the country. They enjoyed a wonderful Alaskan cruise together to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2007.
Howard's easy-going nature and his ability to laugh -- oftentimes even at himself -- made him a husband, a father, a relative and a friend who was easy to love. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew him.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 2925 Fifth St., Sachse, Texas 75048.
Howard, who forever carried the nickname "Butch", was born Feb. 28, 1946 in Olney, Illinois, to Joseph N. Martin and Lottie Fae (Densmore) Martin. Both preceded him in death. Howard and his brother Joe, who also preceded him in death, were raised by Joseph, known as "Short" and Lottie in Cisne, Illinois.
Howard served in the United States Air Force from 1964-68, and then moved to Dallas, Texas. So while it's true that Howard didn't grow up with a Texas drawl, he carried it well, and his unforgettable slow and easy style of speaking was also a part of his great charm and warmth. Howard started a long career with Texas Instruments as a machinist in 1969. He worked for TI until his official retirement in 2003.
His eventual retirement was prompted by a severe stroke that Howard suffered in 2001. His loving wife Patricia L. (Smalley) Martin was the primary caregiver and ever-present soul mate for Howard these past 10 years. Together they endured a long, hard medical battle that including many challenges and a never-ending series of ups and downs, but always they met the challenges, no matter how difficult, side-by-side.
Howard also received much care and support from his daughter, Angie, who, like her mother, offered unfailing love no matter the situation. Angie was very special to Howard. One of his proudest moments in life was seeing his daughter graduate from college.
Howard and Pat were married on Feb. 11, 1977 in Dallas at the home of Pat's older sister, Deb (Smalley) Greening. Along with his wife, Howard is survived by daughter Angela L. (Martin) Buckner, son-in-law Jason Buckner, granddaughter Madison J. Buckner and grandson Austin R. Buckner, along with many loving sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Howard was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he quickly won the hearts of the extended Smalley family that he married into in 1977. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing and being outdoors, and loved to read the newspaper and play dominos and card games of all types when indoors. Despite the medical challenges in recent years, Howard and Pat were able to travel together, often to visit family around the country. They enjoyed a wonderful Alaskan cruise together to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2007.
Howard's easy-going nature and his ability to laugh -- oftentimes even at himself -- made him a husband, a father, a relative and a friend who was easy to love. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew him.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 2925 Fifth St., Sachse, Texas 75048.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard Wayne Martin, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 2
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors