Richard Merial Martin

He was born on March 17, 1942 at home in Port Arthur, Texas to Moses and Ida Martin. He was the fourth of eight children. He attended school at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and attended Lamar College in Beaumont. He served in the Army for three years. He had a number of professions before he moved to Southern California and worked in the Oil and Gas industry. He also was a writer and published six books.

He and his wife Catherine were together for over 47 years and married for almost 45. He had six children. Four from his first marriage, that included his one and only daughter and two with Catherine.

He enjoyed watching his children as they got involved in sports through the years. He was an outstanding bowler, a golfer, a hunter, he enjoyed traveling, and he especially enjoyed going on cruises.

He created everlasting memories with his family and he is survived by his wife and all of his children, Richard Martin, Jr., Lancaster, CA, David Martin, Washington State, Aaron Martin (Rebecca), Oakdale, CA, Pamela Wiggins (Ryan), Woodstock, GA, Gregory Martin (Jo’Lisa), Pearland, TX and Bradley Martin (Logan), Georgetown, TX. He also leaves his grandchildren Monique (Steven), Aaron Jr., Brianna, Aloni, Robin, Ricky III, Maxwell, Laila, Darcy and Lex. And great grandchild Sarai. In addition, he is survived by his siblings Barbara Nico, Anthony Martin and his youngest sister and Goddaughter Althea Portley (Lee), sisters-in-law Dianne Martin and Sylvia Martin and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.

Preceded in death by his parents Moses and Ida Martin, Siblings: Vincent Martin Sr. and his wife Ella, Maurice Martin, Rosita “Rody” Maryland, Rev. Carl Martin, Nephews Bryant Martin and Ian Hall and our beloved granddaughter Imogene Faye.

A service celebrating his life will be held on June 5, 2026 at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Lane, Houston, Texas. Visitation begins at 9 am, followed by the funeral at 11 am and a reception will follow. Interment with military honors will be held at the National Cemetery in Houston on June 9, 2026 at 10:30 am.