Herschel Raye Martin
Herschel Raye Martin, 80, of Kingsland died May 11, 2011. He was born in Essex, Iowa, on May 8, 1931, to Orville and Gertie (Hipsley) Martin.
He graduated from Northwestern Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and married Barbara Coy on Jan. 27, 1954. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers with the 29th Engineer Battalion in the Philippines, Okinawa, Korea and Japan.
He and his wife retired to Kingsland in 1987 where he began his volunteer work. He was a member of Genesis Lutheran Church, past secretary of the Highland Lakes Unit of the American Cancer Society, receiving an Excellence in Public Information award and Sword of Hope; past director of the Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Aqua Boom Committee from 1988 to 2002, serving as chairman in 1990 and 1991. In 1996, he help found the Aqua Boom Scholarship Trust that awards scholarships to the Aqua Boom queens. He was named Outstanding Chamber member in 1990-1991 and 1995-1996. In 2004, he was awarded the Chamber’s highest accolade: the Distinguished Service Award.
He loved life and lived it with gusto. He developed a passion late in life for saltwater fishing off the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It was there in the small village of Zihuatanejo that he found his second home.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years Barbara Martin; son the Rev. Mark D. Martin and wife Betty; daughter Kristin Coy and husband Dr. Martín Gonzalez; granddaughters Leah Coy Martin, Rachel Murad and husband Anthony; grandsons Steven Gonzalez and Daniel Gonzalez; great-granddaughter Lily Elizabeth Murad; great-grandson Matthew Murad; half-brother Alan Harville; and half-sister Rose Mary Patmore.
A service was May 14 at the Putnam Funeral Home chapel, 145 Texas Ave. in Kingsland, (325) 388-0008, with the Rev. Brian Bibler officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to R.O.C.K. (Ride on Center for Kids) in Georgetown, Aqua Boom Scholarship Trust or the charity of your choice.
Charity addresses and an online guest register can be found at www.putnamcares.com.