Melvina Tramel Martin

Obituary of Melvina Tramel Martin September 9, 1918 – May 9, 2019 Melvina Tramel Martin, at age 100, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Coronado at Stone Oak surrounded by those who loved her. She was born on September 9, 1918 in the small town of Kerens, Texas to James H. and Evelyne Tramel. Melvina was the oldest of eight children. On September 12, 1936, she was married to Sam B. Martin. Together they had five children. She is survived by four children, Tony (Peggy), Paul Samuel (Judy), John Paul, and Deborah Melvina. Her seven grandchildren are Wendy Martin, Kristy Martin, Tim Martin (Diane), Michelle Dretke (Dave), Melanie Cox (Brian), Mark Martin and Brandi Meyer (Andy). She was “GiGi” to her eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, J.C. Tramel (Greta), and her sister, Jane Reynolds. Her husband and the love of her life, Sam, died in 1985 at the age of 67. Their firstborn son, Jimmy, died when he was four years old. Others who passed on before her were her parents, two brothers, Wilfred Tramel and Jack Tramel, and three sisters, Marie Matthews, Sue Shanahan and Joyce Day. Sam and Melvina had an adventurous life and lived in several states and Canada while Sam was working in construction. During World War II, Melvina was a “Rosie the Riveter” in a B-17 bomber. They were living near Port Chicago, California when the deadly munitions explosion occurred during the war at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine killing more than 300 sailors and civilians and injuring that many more. They had quite a story to tell about that night and how they were spared. In 1955, they settled in San Antonio where Sam founded Martin Brothers General Contractors. Melvina was a homemaker and kept busy raising their children while serving both as a volunteer and a member of some worthy organizations. Melvina and Sam were officers in both the local and state chapters of The ARC, which at that time was known as The Association for Retarded Children. In 1962, Melvina and Sam were instrumental in establishing the San Antonio chapter of Youth for Christ which to this day continues its ministry of spreading the gospel to young people. She also served as an officer in the San Antonio chapter of the Christian Women’s Club in the late 1960’s. Melvina was a board member of the San Antonio Garden Club and had the honor of having her home chosen to be showcased and toured by the public during the garden club’s annual Christmas Pilgrimage. Melvina was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and was a member of the Castle Hills First Baptist Church. She became the designated matriarch of the Martin and Tramel branches of her large extended family. Many nieces and nephews remember that her home was always open to them with food on the table and a place to stay when needed. Her gentle spirit and her ever gracious manner will always be remembered by those who knew her. A time of visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home located at 1701 Austin Hwy. on Friday, May 17 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Melvina’s funeral service will be on Saturday, May 18, at 11:00 am. also at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home.