Gene L. Martin

The earthly journey of Gene Lesley Martin, 80, drew to a close on September 8th, 2016 in Victoria, Texas. Gene began his journey on July 20, 1936, in Concord, Texas. He was the fourth of eight children, born to Oin & Lula B. Martin. Gene graduated from Carlisle High School in 1954. He graduated from Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma City in 1960, after working part-time to put himself through college. He served 2 years in the military, mostly at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. After his military service, he worked at Eastman Kodak in Longview, Texas. He received his teaching certification from Stephen F. Austin, Nacogdoches. He then moved to Victoria in 1967 and began teaching at Stroman High School (History, ICT, Government, and Economics.)

He met the love of his life, Mary Jean “Jeannie,” on a blind date and they were married in 1968. He was Victoria County Commissioner 1977-1982, a real estate broker, and then returned to his first love of teaching at Victoria High School in 1985. He received a Master’s in Education from Prairie View A&M. He later received a second Master’s in Counseling from UHV. He worked for Gulf Bend as a counselor and also at Mitchell Guidance Center as a counselor. He was the past Executive Director of Christ’s Kitchen. Gene was a member of the Retired Teachers of Texas, First United Methodist Church, and New Horizon Sunday School class for 48 years, and a member of the 42-domino supper club for 45 years.

Gene was a very warm and welcoming person, whether it is an invite for a cup of coffee, or to engage in conversation about politics, philosophy, theology, or just about how their life was going. Gene would connect with them through a strong sense of dignity and respect. He related well to everyone: from children of all ages, troubled high school students, his elders; the poor or well-off; successful or someone down on their luck, he saw their heart and their potential. His gifts were many including serving, teaching, but most would agree, that his greatest gift was his gentle and wise counsel.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters. He is survived by sister, Betty Webb of Whitehouse, Texas and brother, David Martin and wife, Wanda of Longview, Texas; his wife, Mary Jean “Jeannie” Martin; two sons, William Bret Baldwin and wife, Hyunsook Baldwin of Victoria, Texas, and Gene Lesley Martin, II, and wife, Shaila Martin of San Marcos, Texas; and daughter, Denise Michelle Blonder, and husband, Dr. Bryan Blonder of Missouri City, Texas; and grandchildren that he cherished - Alyssa, Trace, Kayleigh, Truett, Joshua, Jeremy, Tyger, Tate, & Brayden.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 11, 4-6p.m. at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, 3304 Mockingbird Lane. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held Monday, September 12 at 2p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 407 N. Bridge Street, with Pastor Marilyn Roeder-Kunkel officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Ballard, Royce Buesing, Dwight Harris, Jesse Mathis, Jamie Ogle, Ted Sheblak, and Dwayne Wilkinson.

Honorary Pall Bearers: All his former students, volunteer workers at Christ’s Kitchen, and members of New Horizons Sunday School class.

Memorials may be made to Christ’s Kitchen, P.O. Box 3391, Victoria, Texas, 77903, and First United Methodist Church, 407 N. Bridge Street, Victoria, Texas, 77901.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com