Leonard Nelson Martin

Leonard Nelson Martin was born October 1, 1928 in Groveton, Texas, the only child of John C. Martin and Gracie Lee Davis Martin. He died in his sleep in the early morning hours of July 22, 2017 in San Antonio.

Leonard’s very early childhood was spent in East Texas before the family moved to Houston where he attended public schools, graduating from Lamar High School. He attended Rice Institute (now Rice University) in Houston, graduating in 1950. In the early years of his professional life in Houston, he attended evening classes at South Texas School of Law, receiving his law degree in 1960.

While at Rice, Leonard met Beverly June Pfeil (another Rice student) and they were married in 1949. Together they raised three daughters, Deborah, Karen and Susan. Leonard and Beverly remained very active in the academic and extra-curricular ac-tivities of their daughters during those busy child-rearing years. As their daughters “left the nest” Leonard and Beverly enjoyed many travels in the U.S. and abroad, in particular, many happy summers with their Swiss Mountain Hiking Tour groups. Beverly died in May 2002 after a long illness. During her illness, Leonard’s loving heart and sense of duty was demonstrated by his extraordinary care for Beverly dur-ing this difficult time.

Leonard had a long, productive and satisfying career as a businessman in Houston. He began working for the Mustang Tractor and Equipment Company in 1959. Dur-ing his 50 plus year tenure at Mustang Tractor he held a variety of executive posi-tions, including president of Mustang and Chairman of the Board in 1985. He re-mained closely tied to the Mustang family to the end of his life. Leonard also served on several corporate boards during his professional career. In addition, he was an active supporter of several Houston charities, including Texas Children’s Hospital and the Houston Food Bank and his revered alma mater, Rice University. Leonard was also a long time member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church.

In October 2002 Leonard married Roberta G. Owen, of Houston, in a ceremony in Beaver Creek, CO. Leonard and Roberta continued to live in Houston until they re-tired in 2005 to their hill country home in Boerne, TX.

Well into his 70’s. Leonard was an avid sportsman and adventurer. He and Roberta loved golf, tennis and traveling together. They enjoyed spending time—summer and winter—in Beaver Creek. They also enjoyed trips to the California wine country, the East Coast—particularly New York City—and cruises to the Mediterranean, Car-ibbean, Polynesia and Europe.

After the passing of Roberta’s son, David Owen, in 2010, Roberta and Leonard ea-gerly became the legal guardians of David’s two young children, Jennifer and David Owen.

Leonard was predeceased by this parents, John and Gracie Lee Martin, his first wife and mother of his daughters, Beverly Pfeil Martin, his much-loved son-in-law James Stancliff, and his step-son David Owen.

He is survived by his wife Roberta Owen Martin, his daughters Deborah Martin King and husband Neil, Karen Martin Wyndelts and husband Kerry Porter, and Susan Martin Stancliff, step-daughter Angela Owen, his grandchildren Skylar King Martin-sen and her husband Michael, Jordan Wyndelts, Brent Wyndelts, Hudson Stancliff, and Chandler Stancliff, and step-grandchildren Jennifer Owen and David Owen. He also leaves behind his much-loved Airedales, Beau and Bella.

The family expresses much appreciation to the physicians and other medical profes-sionals in Boerne and San Antonio who provided Leonard care in the last years and days of his life. Roberta and Leonard will always be grateful to their housekeeper, Rosie Hill, and handyman, Terry Lenz, for their many years of devoted service. The family also wants to express heart-felt appreciation to all the Senior Buddies staff, particularly Romelia Armstrong, who provided such loving and compassionate care to Leonard for the past year in his Boerne home and in the hospital in San Antonio during his final days.

Leonard was always a strong presence in the lives of those around him—in the busi-ness world as well as with family and friends. His intellect, his work ethic, his sense of duty and responsibility, his love of books, his perseverance and his generous heart served as a strong model to emulate for all of us who were blessed to be part of his life. He loved deeply and he was and continues to be deeply loved.

Leonard will be laid to rest in a private family service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston. Those who wish are encouraged to honor Leonard’s life through gifts to charities close to his heart, including Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston Food Bank and the Ronald McDonald House of Houston.

Rest in peace, beloved and respected Leonard, your earthly work is complete.