Howard Lee Martin, Sr. was born May 25, 1947 in Tomball, Texas to A.C. Martin and Eddie  Lee (Price) Martin. He departed this life, February 24, 2025. He was the fourth of five  children born to his parents. He accepted Christ at an early age. In 1963, Howard graduated  early from Hufsmith High School in Tomball, Texas at the age of 16. Howard graduated  from Houston Police Academy in 1968. He worked faithfully for 40 years as a Police Officer.

In June 1968, Howard married Mattie Pitts. To their union were born two children Dawn  Elizabeth Martin and Howard Lee Martin, Jr. affectionately known as, "Marty".

Howard was truly a dedicated worker in the church. He served as musician, under Pastoral  leadership of his oldest brother, Rev. Charles E. Martin, Sr. at Pilgrim Hill Missionary  Baptist Church in Tomball, Texas. The Martin Family moved their membership to Antioch  Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor F. N. Williams, Sr. Howard  served as the Musician on the music staff for over 40 years until his health began to decline.  Howard moved his membership to St. John Missionary Baptist Church under Watch Care  leadership of Pastor Trey T. Thomas in 2023.

In his spare time, he loved gardening, fishing, photography and model railroading. He  loved his mustard greens and loved sharing graciously with others. He enjoyed fishing and  bringing it home to clean so his wife, son, and niece Kim could fry it hot and fresh! His  photography was initially a hobby which led to his services being highly sought after for  numerous events. His model railroading became so widely admired, it was featured on  several local television broadcasts including, " The Eyes of Texas".

In 2021, Howard moved from his residence of 50 years at the invitation of his dear Daughter in-love and Son to Conroe, TX. There he was extremely well taken care of and spoiled rotten.  His joy every morning was being awakened by his pint sized mini-me, Lee. He would often  smile and say, "he comes in every morning to say, " Good morning Grandfather" and give  me a kiss. Howard loved spoiling children, especially his grandchildren. He was the best  burger making, coffee sneaking, bacon smuggling grandfather of all times!

One of his greatest joys was the time he had to spend with his nieces and nephews. He loved  them as though they were his very own. He loved grilling burgers for David and Sherard,  playing "Batman Theme" on the organ for Renita and Stephanie. He enjoyed having his  niece Gloria accompanying him on piano at Pilgrim Hill.

Thank God for the loaning of this amazing man whose legacy of loving the Lord, his family  and service to the community will live on through the many lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by wife, (Mattie), his parents and three siblings, Allen C. Martin  Jr., (Minnie), Pastor Charles Martin, Sr. (Juanita) and Alice Kossie (Lester - deceased).

He leaves to cherish his memory, daughter, Dawn Martin Harrison (Michael), son Howard  Lee Martin Jr., (Alesia)three grandsons, Denzel Braxton (Tyronda), Derek L. Braxton II,  and his namesake Howard Lee Martin III, granddaughter, Dawn Elizbeth Braxton, great granddaughters, Amaya Burks and Kinsley Braxton, god-daughter Ashlie S. Martin, Sisters in-law, Evelyn L. Gray of Spring, TX and Linda Lewis of Homer LA, Brother-in-law John  Amos Pitts of Houston,TX and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.