Martin McKay Terrell, born June 14, 1928 in Austin, Texas passed away in Kingwood, Texas on February 8, 2020 at the age of 91. He succumbed to complications from a broken hip, after valiantly trying to regain his health.
Martin was preceded in death by his father, Sam Houston Terrell, Sr. his mother, Gladys McClintock Terrell, and his brother, Sam Houston Terrell, Jr. Martin’s father, Sam Houston Terrell, Sr. served as the State Comptroller of Texas from 1924- 1930. Martin’s great, great grandfather, George Whitfield Terrell was a personal friend of Sam Houston and served as Ambassador to France, Great Britain and Spain, representing the Republic of Texas.
Martin joined the Merchant Marines during World War II and after reaching the age of 17, became a U.S. Marine, serving in the Korean War during that conflict. Martin had a love of all sports and played football for the Marines at El Toro Marine Base in California.
After joining the U.S. Air Force in the early 50’s, Martin became a self-defense instructor with a talent for the art of Judo. He trained at the KodoKan Judo Institute in Tokyo and brought back his skills to the United States Air Force to train pilots in self-defense. From 1954-1959 Martin competed in Judo competitions in the United States, winning many contests and wrapping up his Judo competitions with First Place All Air Force.
Martin was also a champion handball player and in July 1959, won first place in the ATC Singles Handball Championship for that year. After Martin retired from the Air Force, he became a real estate broker and then a stockbroker. Martin and Harriet then retired to south Florida, where Martin enjoyed swimming in the Atlantic Ocean for exercise. Martin and Harriet moved to Kingwood, Texas three years ago to be close to their daughter, Dianne.
Martin is survived by his wife of 73 years, Harriet Ernestine Luschei Terrell, and his daughter, Dianne Luschei Terrell Lansden, and son-in-law, Mitchell Baylor Lansden. He was predeceased by his son, Martin McKay Terrell, Jr.
Martin’s relatives include: granddaughter Jill Luschei Lansden Connelly, and her husband, William Connelly and their children: Kyle Edward Connelly, Rylee Virginia Dickerson, William Luschei Connelly and Ryan Baylor Connelly; granddaughter Ellen Elizabeth Lansden, and her husband, Michael Farhang, and their children: Elizabeth Lansden Farhang and Matthew Lansden Farhang; granddaughter Sarah Virginia Lansden Baker, and her children: Gabriella Elizabeth Baker and Luke Lansden Baker; and granddaughter Karen Mitchell Lansden and her husband, Zachary Rosenberg.
Funeral services are on Thursday, February 13 at 12:00 p.m. at Kingwood Funeral Home and interment will take place at the Houston National Cemetery on February 14 at 2:15 p.m. with full military honors.
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