Henry Tully Martin, Jr.

Henry Tully Martin, Jr. was born November 5, 1940 to Tully and Bertha Mae Boogie Martin in Pearsall, Texas. After valiantly battling Pancreatic Cancer for over 2 years, Henry laid down his weapons and heaven became an even brighter and happier place on February 6, 2009.

Henry grew up in Pearsall and Artesia Wells, Texas where his father Tully and grandfather Green Martin were active in cattle ranching. Henry had a happy and active childhood, spending summers riding horses with neighbors at the ranch in Artesia Wells and going to school in Pearsall. Even as a child, his favorite pastime was visiting with relatives and having them "tell him how it used to be." His love of family history, Texas history and Civil War tales followed him all through his life. When he got older he worked at the family owned Kickapoo Camp or at Camp Waldemar in Kerrville. Here he honed his skills as a leatherworker, and he subsidized his income making custom belts for the campers. In high school he was a star lineman for the Pearsall Mavericks, and received a football scholarship to Rice University in Houston. He thoroughly enjoyed his college football experience, even the "two-a-days" during the sweltering non-air-conditioned Houston summers.

He received a Bachelor's Degree in History and Phys. Ed. from Southwest Texas University in San Marcos. It was there that his first son, Henry T. Martin III Trey was born to Henry and his first wife, Diane Herring. Following graduation Henry began his teaching and coaching career in La Pryor, Texas where he welcomed his second son Curtis L. Martin. Henry subsequently taught history and coached football and track at West and then at Whitney, Texas, where daughter Susan arrived. During his years at West and Whitney he made a huge impression on the lives of all his students, many of whom still kept in touch with "Coach" Martin over 30 years after he left.

In 1973 Henry left teaching, moved to new Braunfels, and began selling life insurance. During his years as a career agent for Southwestern Life Insurance Henry was a consistent sales leader. Of the numerous trips and awards he received, his most cherished was the "Comeback Player of the Year" plaque which he received as a direct result of his dedication to sobriety in 1982. In New Braunfels all of his children were involved in athletics in Comal ISD and Henry was an avid supporter of whatever they were involved in. He was a member of and long-time adult Sunday School teacher at First United Methodist Church and belonged to many civic organizations.

In 1990 Henry moved his office to San Antonio as an independent insurance agent. He was a Life & Qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table for over 25 years, and was instrumental in organizing an MDRT Alcoholics Anonymous group. This affiliation fostered the development of friendships with other agents both in the U.S. and around the world. In 1976 Henry began marketing retirement plans to employees of Texas housing authorities; of all of his accomplishments in the insurance industry, Henry took the most satisfaction in the many individuals whose lives were impacted and the lifetime friendships which were formed through this endeavor.

In 1993 Henry married the love of his life, Betty, formerly of Las Cruces, NM, and became a wonderful father to her children Jerret and Judi. Betty was actively involved in growing the insurance business, working alongside Henry since 1990. They loved traveling and made many trips around the U.S. and abroad, though they were just as happy getting in the car and making daytrips around Texas.

In 2003 daughter Judi became involved in the insurance business allowing Henry and Betty to retire in 2006. This enabled Henry to spend many happy hours in his woodworking shop. He was a master craftsman, turning out everything from intricate exotic-wood jewelry boxes to furniture. He enjoyed nothing more than presenting someone he loved with something he had spent hours creating.

Henry was a Master Mason and member of the Whitney Lodge and a member of the Shriners of North America. He was a member of the Texas Gun Collectors; his grandfather, W. R. Tully was a Texas Ranger, qualifying Henry for proud membership in the Former Texas Rangers Association. Henry and Betty were active members of Trinity Baptist Church before becoming charter members of The Fellowship of San Antonio Church. Henry takes the most pride in his 26 year membership in Alcoholics Anonymous at Club 12 in San Antonio.

Besides hundreds of friends who will deeply mourn his loss, Henry leaves his loving and beloved wife, Betty; son Henry T. Martin III Trey of New Braunfels, son Curtis L. Martin of San Antonio, daughter Susan Collins Clay of New Braunfels, son Jerret Armstrong of Irving, Texas, and daughter Judi Travis Jesse of San Antonio. He is also survived by a brother, Ford G. Martin and wife Evelyn of Seguin; cousins Corliss and Emily Elsesser of Fort Worth, grandson Aaron Collins of New Braunfels, and was greatly anticipating the birth of Grandbaby Tully Travis. Henry will be greatly missed by nephew Gary Martin, nephew and great-nephews Greg Amy, Braden and Brett Martin of Odessa, and niece Kris Ann Martin of College Station.

Henry loved and was loved by his "New Mexico Kin": Ann Jim Velia, Ed Donna Mathis, Charles Carol Mathis, Shirley John Shangreaux and Lucy James Heddlesten and all of their children and grandchildren, especially Boyd, Helen, Landon and Justin Prouty.

Henry remained close to his former wife Diane Worley of Pharr, Texas and her sisters and their families; Bill, Dale and Rachel Dranselka and Katy Brockman of San Antonio and Sarah Roberts of Kermit, TX, Sara Beth Roberts of New York and Mary Frances Alvarado of Dallas, TX.

Memorial contributions may be made in Henry's name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by phoning 877 272-6226, or to the Celebrate Campaign at the Fellowship of San Antonio Church, 23755 Canyon Golf Road, San

Antonio, TX 78258.