Michael Edward Martin

Michael E. Martin died at the age of 70 on Friday, September 17, 2010. He was born October 11, 1939 in Topeka, Kansas to Hubert D. and Kathleen Martin. His family moved to Kingsville in 1941 when his father began work for Civil Service at the Naval Air Station. Michael attended Kingsville public schools, graduating from H.M. King High in 1958. He also attended Texas College of Arts and Industries in Kingsville and served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965.

Michael worked as an accountant for Eddie Yaklin Ford Lincoln Mercury, Ltd, K.A. Childs Motors, Neessen Automotive, May-Nix Chevrolet and Roberts and Roberts Corporation.

He was an Honorary Life Member of Kingsville Lodge 1926 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, having served in numerous officer positions for 25 years. He also served the organization at the district level and on committees and boards of the Texas Elks State Association. He dedicated many years and much effort to his favorite charity, the Texas Elks Children’s Services.

Michael also served his community on the Board of Directors for Kleberg Memorial Hospital from 1981 to 1985, and participated in the sale of the hospital to the Sisters of Charity/Spohn Hospital Group.

In his earlier years, his avocation was amateur theatrics. Michael was a member and president the Kingsville Little Theater from 1960 to 1962, and was founder of the American Society of Spectacular Entertainment at the Elks Lodge from 1978 to 1986. He passionately appreciated great music. Another avocation was musical performance as an original member of the Elk Ridge Boys from 1978 to 1990. Michael was an avid reader as well.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Anne Harwell, and nephew, John Joseph Gabba.

Michael is survived by his wife, Sundra Alsbrooks Martin, brother-in-law, Billy Harwell (Pat) of Corpus Christi, Texas, sister, Eileen Gabba (Ray) of Kingsville, Texas, brother, John Martin (Wendy) of Richmond, Texas, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel, with Rev. Ron Earley officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Kingsville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Charles Goetsch Fund at the Elks Lodge, P.O. Box 1461, Kingsville, Texas, 78364