Tal Shan Martin, Sr.

October 24, 1954 – June 19, 2021

Posted 6/22/21

Tal Shan “Papaw" Martin, Sr., of Katy, Texas, passed away Saturday, June 19th at home after a long medical battle, comforted by his wife.

Tal was born on October 24th, 1954 in Ironton, Ohio. …

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Tal Shan Martin, Sr.

October 24, 1954 – June 19, 2021

Posted

Tal Shan “Papaw" Martin, Sr., of Katy, Texas, passed away Saturday, June 19th at home after a long medical battle, comforted by his wife.

Tal was born on October 24th, 1954 in Ironton, Ohio. He is preceded in death by both his parents, Elmer and Christine Martin. Tal leaves behind his loving wife Brenda Martin; son Tal Shan Martin, Jr.; daughter Theresa Ann Heneberry with grandchildren Xavior, Izaic, and Skylar; step-daughter Lyn Hunter Sullivan and her husband Aryn Lerman with grandchildren Hunter and KayLee Belle; sister Sandy Walter; niece Kimberly Clampett; and nephew Josh Roberts.

Tal graduated from John H. Reagan High school in the Houston Heights in 1974 and was a proud member of the ROTC. Shortly after high school, Tal joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War as a radio operator.

This strong work ethic continued into Tal’s civilian life and in the most recent years, he never let his illness keep him from a job for very long. Tal worked on oil rigs, as a tractor-trailer driver, a truck driver delivering medical supplies, and lastly at Acme Brick. However, his busy work life didn’t deter him from enjoying every day to the fullest with his family and friends; whether it was sneaking into the NICU to peek at his grandson during a late-night hospital delivery, or one of the numerous weekends out on the lake cranking up classic rock with friends.

Tal was an avid boater and fisherman, and he loved spending time with Brenda at their cabin in Lake Somerville. He was so proud of their place and the two celebrated many holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries at their little getaway. Tal also had such a passion for Nascar and Dale Earnhardt that he purchased his prized #3 Monte Carlo from a friend. He loved watching races and enjoyed a very large collection of Nascar memorabilia.

Tal took pride in his community and enjoyed volunteer work as well. He participated in the Relay for Life every year and fundraised for Team KT, named in his honor. Other notable volunteer roles included Texas Special Olympics, Katy Elementary, and Girl Scouts; as anyone who has picked up those addicting cookies at Tal and Brenda’s front door can attest to.

Tal will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, but can take great comfort that he spent his last day doing what he loved best; an evening with friends and family, being entertained by his grandchildren and getting to enjoy the family pets.

All services will be held at Schmidt Funeral Home,1508 East Avenue, Katy, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 28th, 2021. Brenda and Lyn ask attendees to wear their favorite graphic t-shirt in honor of Tal (PG, please!)

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, with Pastor John Crowe officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.

The family will receive guests at their home following the burial.

Condolences may be expressed at www.SchmidtFuneralHome.net

Funeral services held under the direction of:

Schmidt Funeral Home
1508 East Avenue
Katy, Texas  77493
(281) 391-2424

 

Tal Shan Martin Sr., Obituary, Tal Martin,