Don Martens

Donald Wayne Martens was born in Houston, Texas on August 25, 1951 to Willie P. and Dorothy Martens. He and his younger brother Roger grew up in Shore Acres, Texas on the Texas Gulf Coast. The family moved to Monterrey, Mexico in 1966 for Willie's job with Lubrizol.

It was shortly after arriving at their new apartment in Monterrey that Don met Sue, when she and some friends knocked on the door to invite him to a dance. A flirtatious friendship developed over the next few years, as Don worked as a photographer for the school newspaper, which Sue edited. They attended the senior prom together, and the rest is history. After moving back to Pasadena, Don tried his hand at school at Texas A&M University. In his words, "They asked me not to come back..."

Don delighted in his work. At age 19, Don started working as a helper for Brown & Root at the Lubrizol plant in Deer Park. He would work in that location in one capacity or another for nearly 50 years, working his way through the ranks at Brown & Root, and then as a Construction Foreman for Lubrizol. Known to coworkers as a committed and hardworking employee, Don shared his knowledge and experience freely with those he led, wasting no words in conveying information, but always making time. He loved the work he did, he loved the people at work, and he loved getting up at 3:30 a.m. to get to the work site before anyone else.

Don took great pleasure in treating people with respect, and assuring that all people were treated fairly. He was a great steward of the Earth, an occasional practical joker, and a lover of music (particularly live and local music). He could be found at various local music venues on any given weekend, easily identified by his trademark peace symbol earrings. He not only lived these principles in his own life, but shared them with his children and grandchildren to carry on. So if you're looking for music recommendations for any reason, please reach out.

The thing he loved most on this Earth, however, was his family. He leaves behind many beloved family members.

Don is survived by his wife, Sue and brother, Roger. Don and Sue have three children: Nathan (Lindsay), Wendy (Quinn), and Matthew (Heather). They also have four adoring grandchildren: Cooper, Norah, Ivy and Aldous. Don has sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who were very dear to him.

Those wishing to make a donation in Don’s name can do so at: American Cancer Society-Melanoma Research Alliance, MDAnderson Cancer Center, or a charity of your choice.

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