Lt. Col. Ford G Martin
Martin, 88
Lt. Col. Ford G Martin, 88, US Army (retired), died on July 7, 2024, in Seguin. He was born on December 6, 1935 to parents Tully and Bertha Mae (Ford) “Boogie” Martin in Pearsall.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Henry Martin of San Antonio, daughter Kris Ann Martin of Bryan/College Station, brother-in-law Joe DeCock of Detroit, Michigan and his brother-in-law Ray DeCock of San Antonio.
Martin is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn, sons Greg (Amy) Martin of Odessa, and Gary Martin of Whitney, Texas, grandsons Braden Martin of Odessa, and Brett Martin and fiancée Maddie McCormick of Austin. Ford is also survived by other cherished family, friends and co-workers, especially Debi Hartwick, his administrative assistant of 25 years.
Ford grew up in Pearsall, helping his father with ranching in Catarina, Artesia Wells, and Encinal. While helping his father with ranching, he had a favorite horse named Shorty. During his high school years, he played football for the Pearsall Mavericks and worked on the yearbook as the sports manager. During the summer months he worked for the highway department or helped his Uncle Charlie at Kickapoo Kamp in Kerrville. He tooled belts for extra money.
He attended Texas A&M University and was in the Corps of Cadets and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1958. After graduating, he was commissioned into the Army in 1959 and served 20 years and retired in 1979. He graduated from the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavensworth, Kansas. Overseas duty stops included Germany, the Dominican Republic, twice in Vietnam and Korea. Stateside assignments were in Ft. Benning, Georgia, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, Ft. Hood, Texas, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Lackland AFB, Texas, Ft. Leavensworth, Kansas, Ft. Sam Houston, Ft. Polk, Louisiana and Ft. Ben Harrison, Indiana.
In Vietnam, he served as an Advisor to the Vietnamese Army and was a battalion executive officer. In Korea, he served as Assistant Adjutant for US Forces-Korea and the Eighth US Army. At Ft. Polk, he was the 5th Infantry Division Adjutant General. Decorations include the Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters (indicating three awards; Defense Moratoriums Service Medal, Moratorium Service Medal with a 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Honor Medal.
Upon retiring from the Army in 1979, he started his second career and entered the insurance business industry. The insurance career provided opportunities for learning, travel and new experiences. He was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 35 years.
Ford was a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Frio Lodge 399 in Pearsall since 1958.
Ford enjoyed Aggie football and supported Aggie Mom’s and other charitable organizations. His past times included Texas history, finding arrowheads, coin collecting and photography. Deepy religious, he went on his Walk to Emmaus and served on five teams.
Visitation will begin on Friday, July 12 at 9:30 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Seguin, followed by funeral services at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Ray Perales officiating. A reception will follow in Hierholzer Hall. Serving as pallbearers at the church will be his family members.
Graveside services and interment with Full Military Honors will be held on Saturday, July 13 at noon at the Pearsall Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Methodist Church, 710 N. Austin St., Seguin, Texas, 78155, to any Texas A&M (Fighting Aggies) organization of choice or to any other charity of choice.
Anyone wishing to sign the online guest book can do so at www.treshewell.com.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, Seguin.
