Donald Martin

Donald (Don) Lynn Martin, passed from his earthly home to be with his heavenly father on Thursday, May 18, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Don was born March 26, 1947, to James Martin and Molly Francis (Beasley) Martin in Abilene, TX. He attended school in Abilene and graduated from Abilene Cooper High School in 1965. After graduating from high school Don enlisted into the United States Navy where he served for 6 years. While in the Navy he was an electronics maintenance man. Don served for 3 and half years during the Vietnam War. During the war, he served in a place called Dong Tam, where he was referred to as a "River Rat". Don did not discuss his time in Vietnam frequently and when he did it was short and matter of fact. After his service in the Navy, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, President Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, and First Good Conduct Medal. When Don returned to the United States, he married Virginia Ruth McDougle, and from that marriage in 1970 Donald Gregory (Greg) Martin was born. Greg was Don's best buddy when he was growing up. Don loved to tell stories about their adventures. Don attended Texas A&M in College Station and Abilene Christian University in Abilene where he studied electrical engineering. Don worked in the air conditioning business where he was a serviceman and then estimator for 40+ years. While in the air conditioning business he met his lifelong best friend Jon Evans, who was with him until the end.

Don was a man of God! A big part of his life was devoted to the Emmaus community. He served as a leader and later as a director. He would help with the youth camps and even let a few kids dye his long hair with Kool-Aid. He was at most of the candlelight services for those that were on their Emmaus Walk. Don's love of music led him to play in the praise band at his church, Wylie Christian Church. While playing in the praise band he met his second lifelong best friend Doug Roysden. Don played bass guitar every Sunday. You could find him and his friends playing at different events around Texas throughout the year.

Don's other love was old cars and trucks. He liked to tinker with them and restore them. At the time of his passing, he was working on a Rat Rod. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. He liked to take trips where he could ride in town, along country roads, or through the mountains. Him and Jon spent countless hours riding their bikes together.

Above all else he loved his family and friends. We will miss his humor, goofiness, and the Godly man he was. Those that preceded him are his parents, his brothers Jimmy Martin and Ron Martin.
Those left to cherish his memory are Son, Greg Martin and wife Laura, Grandsons David and Zachary, Sister Donna Callan and husband Jack, and 3 generations of nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his two best friends Jon Evans and Doug Roysden.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Hendricks Hospital South, especially the nurses of the Intensive Care Unit for their kindness and care during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to make donations to Wylie Christian Church in honor of Don.

A celebration of life for Don will be at Wylie Christian Church (6250 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606) on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 11 A.M. Please dress casually.