Ronald E. Martin

Ronald Engel Martin, of Houston, died on the 16th of May 2026. A devoted father, grandfather and steadfast friend, he will always be remembered for his quiet strength and gentle kindness. He was 89 years of age.

Ronald, “Ronnie” was born on the 5th of March 1937 in San Antonio, to his parents James Duncan Martin, Jr. and Vera Engel Martin. As a baby, he moved to Bryan where he lived until he graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. He then graduated from the University of Texas where he was a member and president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and served in the Naval Reserve for eight years.

Although his degree was in civil engineering, he began working as a landman for Union Oil of California in both Texas and Louisiana for fourteen years until 1969 when he moved to Houston and started his own oil company. He also served on the board of Blackstone Minerals from 1984-2012. He was a member of The Houston Petroleum Club, The Bayou Club and The Houston Country Club where his avid card playing skills earned him the nickname “The Rack” by his fellow members of the United States Pitch Association.

On the 31st of July 1965, he married Elizabeth Carroll Anderson. Ronnie and Betsey have two daughters, Holley and Catherine.

On weekends, Ronnie loved to spend his time in Independence, Texas with Betsey at their home, the 4M Ranch, where they raised Beefmaster cattle and were members of the BBU.

Ronnie was a devout man of faith. He was an active member of St Martin’s for over sixty years, as a member of the vestry and one of the original members of the Adam Group. He served on the boards for both the Episcopal Diocese and Camp Allen, which always held a very special place in his heart.

In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his brother, James Duncan Martin III; his sister-in-law, Vera Kinkler Martin and his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Betsey.

He is survived by his daughters, Holley Martin Boyd and her husband Lee, and Catherine Anderson Martin; his grandchildren, Catherine Carter Boyd, and Cameron Crockett Boyd; his sister, Jeanette Martin Hughes and her husband; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 29th of May, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.

Prior to the service, the family will gather for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

For those unable to attend you may join via livestream by selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in the service information section.

We also invite you to take a moment to share words of comfort and condolence with the family.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Ronnie’s honor may be directed to Camp Allen, 18800 FM 362, Navasota, TX 77868 or by selecting the link below under "Donations."