Dell L. Martin, Jr. passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the age of 88, after a battle with dementia. He was born on May 9, 1930 in Austin, Texas, son of the late Dell L. and Corinne Martin. He was raised in Austin, Texas, and graduated from Austin High School in 1949.
After joining the United States Navy, Dell served in the Naval Construction Battalions, also known as the Seabees, until he returned to Texas in 1952. He pursued a degree in mechanical engineering, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1957.
Dell began his engineering career at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas. Dell and his family moved to Temple, Texas in 1962 where he worked as an engineer for Baldwin-Erhet-Hill, later becoming its plant manager. After receiving encouragement from Temple business leaders, Dell started Texas Hydraulics, Inc. in 1968, and he ultimately expanded the business to multiple locations throughout the U.S. In 1988, Dell sold the company to an international corporation and refocused his business acumen on other opportunities. Several years later, Dell founded Dell Management and ProVentures, directing his energies on real estate and other business interests.
Dell was involved in numerous civic and community activities throughout his career. He served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County and as a member of the Temple Economic Development Corporation. He was an active member and President of the Temple Rotary Club, a director for the Temple Industrial Foundation, and a director of the Draughton-Miller Airport Board. Dell also served for many years on the Board of Directors of First State Bank, Central Texas.
After retiring from Texas Hydraulics, Dell enjoyed spending his time travelling the U.S. and internationally with his wife, Anna. In addition to travelling with Anna, they loved to travel with their family and friends. Dell was also an accomplished pilot who enjoyed piloting his own plane to his favorite U.S. destinations. Dell particularly loved spending time with his grandchildren. Their presence always brought a smile to his face, and he enjoyed attending their school, sporting and performing activities.
Dell was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth C. Martin, and his daughter, Sandra Kay Martin. He is survived by his wife Anna, with whom he recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his son Kenneth L Martin of Temple, Texas and grandchildren Texanna and Barret; his daughter-in-law DeAnn Martin; his son Derek Martin (Elizabeth) and grandsons Mason and Preston of Temple, Texas; his stepdaughter Wendy Wilson (Tosha Smith) of Austin, Texas; and stepson Porter Wilson (Monika) and granddaughters Madden and Macallister of Austin, Texas.
Arrangements are under the directions of Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at First United Methodist Church in Temple, Texas with the Dr. Tom Robbins officiating. A reception and celebration of life will follow at Pignetti’s in Temple.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that gifts for scholarships to the Nursing Program at the Dell Martin Nursing Education Center, Temple College Foundation at 2315 South First Street #2104 Temple, TX 76504 or through an online donation at https://www.tcfound.org/contributions/.
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