Stephen Dewayne Martin

Stephen Dewayne Martin, 43, of Harper, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2014 after a six and a half year battle with cancer. He was born on the 8th of June, 1971 in Falfurrias, Texas to Mary Solomon Martin and Steve Martin. Dewayne was raised in Falfurrias where he was a member of the Church of Christ. Growing up he loved airplanes, jets and helicopters; if it flew, he was interested. If there was an airshow nearby, you knew he was going to be there. He could tell you the name of any aircraft.

Dewayne graduated from Falfurrias High School in 1989. After graduation he served 5 years in the Air National Guard as a crew Chief of F16’s. During that time he met the love of his life, Becky Pearson, and they married on August 13, 1994. He then enlisted and served two years in the United States Army as a Pneudraulic Specialist for helicopters. After those two years, Dewayne and Becky moved to San Antonio where he was a Communication Supervisor for Fort Sam Houston. Dewayne and Becky made a life in San Antonio and after 12 years of marriage they welcomed their daughter, Kourtnie Shaye.

In 2008, Dewayne was diagnosed with cancer. He was a very strong person and was determined to overcome his illness and lived six and a half years after being given two years to live.

Then after 19 years of civil service he was forced to medically retire and began to enjoy his life with his family fulltime. After living in the busy city, Dewayne, Becky and Kourtnie moved to Harper to enjoy the country life. Dewayne spent the last year of his life hunting from his front porch and his mobile blind. Happy to say he got his deer for this year, which was very important to him. He is preceded in death by his sister, Stacey Mari Martin; maternal grandfather, R.C. Solomon and paternal grandparents, Golden and Lolita Martin. Dewayne will be greatly missed and is survived by his wife of 20 years, Becky Pearson Martin and daughter, Kourtnie Shaye Martin both of Harper, Texas; his parents, Mary and Steve Martin of Falfurrias, Texas, sister, Shannon (Hilario) Ortiz of McAllen, Texas; maternal grandmother, Ruby Solomon; two nieces, Mia Isabella and Anissa Marie; two nephews, Hilario and Andres and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2014at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the Church of Christ in Falfurrias. Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.