Gary Sanford Martin

Gary Sanford Martin was born on Dec 16th, 1947, in Santa Monica, California to Glenn and Shirley Martin. He passed away at the age of 74 on the morning of March 17th after a hard fight. He graduated from San Gabriel High School in 1965 where he was a member of the band and choir and drove a Model T. He attended Montana State University because the Southern California boy wanted to learn to ski and become an architect. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in June of 1971. He later completed his Master of Architecture from Montana State University in 2009. Gary became a parent in Montana in 1975 with the birth of Jeremy. He moved to Wrightwood and became a girl dad to Molly in 1977. He became a professional tennis player and was on the ski patrol. Gary met Kitty and they married, and he became a father of four (Dennis and Shannon) when they combined families in 1983. He owned his own architecture businesses in Wrightwood and Victorville, California. He was an active member of the Methodist church in Victorville, Grapevine, and Lindale. He loved participating in Walk to Emmaus and Kairos Prison Ministry. Gary became a dad of five in 1986 when Daniel was born. Gary, Kitty, and Daniel moved to Texas in 1997 and Gary was a project architect in Dallas, Texas. When the family moved to the Lindale area, Gary specialized in church building and restoration. He later served on the board of directors and was the architect for Tiger Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.

He could often be found wearing Aloha (Hawaiian) shirts and loved anything to do with trains. He was an avid painter and really enjoyed learning new painting techniques. He loved sailing and being on the water. He was amazing at wood working, often making gifts for friends and family. He could often be found puttering in the garden with his dogs or sitting on the front porch watching the birds. One of his favorite things to do was making gingerbread houses every Christmas Eve with his grandkids. He loved sharing his faith and living out his walk. He loved others unconditionally and sharing his unbridled joy of life.

He was preceded in death by his father Glenn Martin, his bonus mom Beth Martin, and mother Shirley Martin. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Kitty Martin of Lindale, Texas, son Dennis Rogers (Sherry) of Folsom, Ca, daughter Shannon Mezzell (Sam) of Lindale, Texas, son Jeremy Martin (Naomi) of Fort Worth, Texas, daughter Molly Hathaway (Andy) of Zeeland, MI, and son Daniel Martin (Brigina) of Arlington, Texas. He is survived by his nine grandchildren: Grace Rogers, Madelyn Mezzell, Marie Rogers, Jacob Mezzell, Ezekiel Martin, Liam Martin Hathaway, Pearl Martin, Sophia Kitty Hathaway, and Abraham Martin. He is survived by his bonus grandchildren: Madison Lewis, Marshall Kanaga, Antonia Calin, Cameron Lewis, Anna Kanaga, and Ashlyn Lewis. He is survived by his bonus brothers Scott, Monty, Stuart, John, and bonus sister Nanette. He is survived by his nephews, nieces, loving family, and friends.

Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 on Saturday, April 9th, at First United Methodist Church Lindale. Aloha (Hawaiian) shirts encouraged. There will be a reception following the service.

Donations in his name can be made to Tiger Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in honor of his Tiger Creek Family and the David Powell Food Pantry.

http://tigercreek.org/monetary-donation/

David Powell Food Pantry - https://www.facebook.com/SocietyofStStephen or a memorial donation to First United Methodist Church Lindale designated for the Food Pantry.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Martin family.