Elwyn Martin Blake

E. Martin, the son of Henry Elwyn and Charlotte Blake, was born on March 1st, 1944, in their family home in Durango, CO.

Martin grew up in Colorado with 7 older brothers and sisters. His love for adventure and the outdoors began early as they lived right on the Animas River.

Martin’s parents made their way to Albuquerque, NM in his youth and there he met the love of his life, Annis Kaye Wilkins, whom he married on January 23rd, 1965. They had two sons, Wade and Curtis who were their pride and joy.

Martin accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in his youth. To know Marin was to know the love of Jesus. While in Albuquerque he served at Manzano Baptist Church and was personally responsible for many people coming to know the Lord, as well as many following the Lord in full time ministry. Martin served the Lord in many capacities, including youth pastor, teaching, leading music and as a deacon. His love for missions was evident. Because of his generosity, he had a part in changing many lives without ever meeting the people across the world.

In Albuquerque, Martin worked as a plumber/pipefitter for many years. Martin and Annis also learned the art of jewelry making, from Steve Wilkins; even opening Ancient Arts Jewelry store where they sold their silver and turquoise jewelry for a time.

In 1982 Martin moved his family to Paris, Texas and eventually opened Blake Plumbing in 1983. Alongside his wife and sons his business grew to become one of his lasting legacies. Martin was known in the community for being honest and hard working. It was because of Blake Plumbing Martin was able to be such a generous man. When he wasn’t serving in the church or at work; he spent his life doing what he loved – hunting and fishing. He spent a lot of time with his family daily as well as traveling and making countless memories and being the best “Pop” to his grandkids.

Paris was where he spent his last 42 years. Martin was able to watch all 4 of his granddaughters grow into beautiful women who all love the Lord.

The easiest way to sum up the life of Martin would be-….. but as for me and my house, we HAVE served the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Martin is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, his siblings – Faith Anne, Albert, Charlotte, Alice, and Prescott.

He is survived by his siblings, Stanley Blake, Virginia Blake Schafer, and Kathy Blake Edwards. His sons Wade and wife Shawna, Curtis and wife Kim. His granddaughters Savannah Wintermute and husband Brian, Abbey Higginbotham and husband Glenn, Gracie Blake and Mallory Ramsey and husband Levi. His great-granddaughter Annie Kaye Wintermute and great-granddaughter Olivia Blake Ramsey (arriving spring 2025).

Family and friends viewing will be held at Victory Baptist Church- 3155 Pine Mill Road Paris, TX at 10 am Saturday, January 18th, 2025. The funeral service will follow at 11 am with a meal to follow at the church provided by the church. Graveside service will be at 2 pm at Hopewell Cemetery. Bright-Holland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be sent to one of Martin’s favorite missionary families. (To donate go to victorybaptistparis.com and memo the donation for Martin’s memorial).