Mary (often known by those in Baytown as Mary Louise or “Mar-louise,” and she was known to her grandchildren as “GrandMary”), was 93 years old. She is the daughter of Otis L. Ewing of Dallas TX and Helen Hinga Ewing of Kalamazoo MI, born on December 12, 1927 in Baytown. She attended Anson Jones elementary, Baytown Junior High School, and Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband Robert L (Bob) Martin and sister Doris. She and Bob met when they both worked at Humble Oil, were married on April 11, 1947 and spent 67 years wonderful years together.
She is survived by three sons: Ken (Baytown), Don (Austin) and Andy (Plano). Also Ken’s wife Randee King, son Nathan (Baytown), daughter Shauna and her husband Clint Dacus (Midlothian) and their children Daxon, Sullivan and Brynn; and daughter Kaitlyn and husband Jacob Jahner (Littleton). Also Don’s wife Susan Anthony, and his children Aaron (Seattle), Clara (Fort Worth), and Cameron (San Antonio). Very special relatives include, Helen Barrett and Johanna Barrett, Lee Walkup, Karl and Jeff Martin, and Peg Shepard.
Mary lead a very full, vibrant, bright, fun and interesting life which she lived to its fullest. She was involved in book reading groups, higher education lectures, and was an avid reader on a wide variety of subjects. “My books are my treasures” she wrote on the inside cover of many of her young adult books.
She delighted in hosting “howl at the moon” parties at their ranch in Kerrville and in Baytown, many confused and puzzled kids in the neighborhood flocked to her house one summer evening to see if Mary really could “jump over the moon,” as she had boasted. And she did.
She and her husband and their children travelled and lived in England, in the “New Forest” area two times, and one time in New Jersey. She especially enjoyed living in England. In retirement they also lived on a ranch near Kerrville (Agarita Ranch), and in Austin.
In Baytown, she was also very involved in national and local politics. “Feisty” is the term that comes to mind. She recruited three people to run for the Goose Creek Independent School District and, against all odds, ran their three successful campaigns - in support of ending segregation in Baytown schools. She was involved in state Rep and Democratic Congressional races (including Joe Allen and Bob Eckhardt), and fondly tells the story of marching with the Rev Martin Luther King where she got lightly teargassed. She had strong beliefs and followed up on them with personal action. She threw herself into such endeavors and fought to win, leaving a lasting legacy of political involvement for her kids and grandchildren. Her son Kenneth was elected to the GCISD School Board many years later.
She was involved in a number of philanthropic enterprises and was a regular donor to many groups ranging from the Sierra Club to Planned Parenthood as well as many local charities and worthwhile organizations such as the Baytown Opportunity Center. For a time she and Bob had a small foundation for their charities.
Everyone who knew her has a favorite GrandMary story or memory to tell. Friends and relatives are invited to please leave their lasting or most interesting story or memory.
Due to COVID restrictions, no immediate service is planned. In lieu of flowers or donations, please leave a message about Mary on the above web page, or donate to the charity of your choice.
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