   Sherman, Texas - The Mass of Christian burial for Don Martin was held Monday morning, December 17, 2018, followed by an interment ceremony at St. Mary's Cemetery. Father Steve Antes officiated. A rosary was held at Waldo Funeral Home on Sunday evening, December 16, 2018. Arrangements were under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home. Don passed away at home December 12, 2018; he had just turned 89. Born on December 9, 1929 in Tiffiin, Ohio, he was the second youngest of 5 children. He enjoyed telling stories of how he and his younger sister, Betty, would get into all kinds of mischief - usually egged on by their older brother, Bill. His siblings all served the country in the Armed Forces or State Department and he was no different. He joined the Marine Corps in 1950. He served one tour in Korea and was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism and a Purple Heart. Post Korea, he was a recruiter in Houston, where he met the love of his life, Carmen Alamanza and they were married for 55 years. He was called into combat again and served 2 tours in Vietnam. After returning from the war, he accepted a recruiting position in downtown Dallas. Not wanting to live in the metroplex, he moved his young family to Sherman, where he retired from the military after 27 years of service and was an active member of St. Mary's Parish. Not being the kind of person to sit idle, he earned his CDL and drove for cross country trucking companies. Looking for something that would keep him closer to home, he accepted a position with Douglass Distributing and went on to work with Calhoun Distributing and Thomason Oil Co. until his second retirement. He had a passion for physical fitness and coffee. Before his illness, he was a regular at Nautilu Fitness and worked out with may "fitness friends" - we secretly believe he went to the health club every morning because they had "free" coffee. He also never lost his sense of service to others. He was an active member of the local Marine Corps League and Toys for Tots campaign and St. Mary's Knights of Columbus. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Gertrude Martin; his sisters, Jeanne Sayles and Betty Mosher; and brothers, Bill and Ed Martin. He is survived by his wife, Carmen; son, Bill; daughter, Lisa, and husband, Craig Crenshaw. Beyond the joy of his children were his 2 grandchildren, Casey and Caitlin Crenshaw. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to Home Hospice of Grayson County or St. Mary's School or the Toys for Tots campaign. St. Mary's Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |
