Kenneth George Martin of Spring, Texas passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the age of 75, holding his wife's hand and surrounded at his home by loving family.

Ken was born on February 23, 1945 in Ames, Iowa to George A. Martin and Catherine O'Neil Martin; the family moved to Houston in 1952. When he began his studies at University of St. Thomas, he became college sweethearts with Mary Ann Biros; they were married on July 15, 1967 and had three children. He was a football coach and educator at St. Thomas High School and in the Klein school district before moving into a sales position with Moore Paper Company. Later he worked as the pastoral administrator for the family's church, St. Edward. When the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston created the position of Clergy Pastoral Outreach Coordinator, they knew that Ken would be the perfect first person to fill that role. Alongside these careers, Ken was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church on June 11, 1994 and served his community for over 20 years in that capacity before officially retiring in 2015.

Ken was universally known as a generous man with an unbounded willingness to help and support others. His face lit up every time he got to welcome someone to his home, church, or community, especially members of his large and close extended family. So many people benefited from his friendship and good works, from the sacraments he administered, and from the marriage preparation sessions he led in partnership with Mary Ann. Ken was a natural leader, with his combination of detail-oriented organizational skills and personal humility, and set a wonderful example as a loving husband and father. Everybody who knew Ken understood his great love for the church and his steadfast devotion to Jesus Christ.

His earthly presence is deeply missed by Mary Ann, his wife of over 52 years; by his son Chris and daughter-in-law Kelley; by his son Greg; and by his son Brian and granddaughter Cameron. He is also dearly missed by his five siblings and their spouses: John Martin & wife Diane, Jim Martin & wife Henrietta, Steve Martin & wife Marla, Margaret Martin Bassani & husband Doug, and Tom Martin. Ken is survived by his many nephews and nieces: Kelly Emanuel and husband John, Melissa Vogt and husband Nick, Doug Martin and wife Julissa, Jennifer Cabezas and husband Robert, Tammy LaNasa and husband Rob, Adam Armstrong and wife Pandora, Stephanie Casso and husband David, Krista Bassani, Kathryn Hendrix and husband Dillon, Matthew Martin, and Allison Martin. He is also survived by his great nieces and nephews: Grace Santos and husband Ivan, Nicole Selindh and husband Zach, Blake Emanuel, Kayley Emanuel, Gavin Vogt, Hallie Vogt, Frances Martin, Lucia Martin, Madelyn Cabezas, Aubree Cabezas, Bryce Cabezas, Nolan Chisholm, John David Casso, Sarah Casso, and Harrison Hendrix. Ken has joined his parents, his sister Mary, and other beloved friends and family members in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to St. Edward Catholic Community of Spring, Texas.

"Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!" Psalms 103:1