Donald Haden Martin

with thyroid cancer. He was born 82 years ago in Houston, Texas, on October 29, 1935 to

Lucydean Haden McDow and Harry Lee Martin. After the completion of high school at the

Shreiner Institute in Kerrville, Texas, Don first attended Rice University and then completed his

degree work in Geology at The University of Texas at Austin. While attending UT, Don was an

ATO and also met the love of his life Barbara Ann Pearson. Barbara and Don were married in

1956 and began an exciting journey.

Don’s professional career included stints as a geologist, 1st Lieutenant in the Army, land man,

home builder, commercial developer, private investigator, FBI Special Agent and lastly as a

member of the Command Staff of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department (FBCSO). During

his tenure with FBCSO, Don was instrumental in the original formation, construction and

operation of the Fort Bend County Law Enforcement Academy, now known and named after

his good friend, the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy. Don was very proud that his

efforts with the Academy resulted in a commendation from The Governor of Texas. Don was a

lifetime NRA Master Handgun Marksman and was also a Firearms Instructor during his tenures

with the FBI and FBCSO.

Don’s passions in life were as varied as his work career and included travel (wherever Barbara

wanted to go), automobiles, skiing, car rallies, racing cars, gaming and following every single

sports team that competed for the city of Houston and UT.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Donald Haden Martin, Jr. He is

survived by his beloved wife Barbara and his son Bobby Martin and daughter-in-law Lynne

Martin. He is also survived by grandchildren Heather Martin Wendt (Preston Wendt), Haley

Martin Hann (Brandon Hann) and Travis Martin. Don was also blessed with three greatgrandchildren,

Jackson Wendt, Jake Wendt and Harper Hann.

We will cherish Don’s memory at a Memorial Service on Saturday February 3rd, 3 PM at

Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008. Attendees are requested to

wear something orange (for the Astros and the Longhorns).

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the 100 Club of Houston or the SPCA (in honor

of his special grand-dogs Herky, Fred and Jess).