Obituary of David Samuel Martin, Sr.

June 14, 1946 - September 3, 2025

In Loving Memory of David Martin, Devoted Family Man

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Cherished Husband, Father, Grandfather, & Great-Grandfather

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, who went home to Jesus at the age of 79 after a long illness. His life was marked by unwavering love and dedication to others.

Born on June 14, 1946, he spent his formative years as the son and oldest of six children born to Edgar and Joyce Martin. The values of genuine hard work and steadfast devotion were traits grown in him early and ones that would guide him throughout his life. In 1966 he married Jodie Trahan, the one and only love of his life with whom he shared more than six decades of joy, partnership, and family commitment. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, respect, and love.

As a father, he was endlessly supportive and proud of his children, always there for them through every challenge and every triumph. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent teaching, playing, and having fun with them. And he was especially taken with the two great-grandchildren with whom he was recently blessed.

David worked with countless people throughout East Texas as the owner/operator of his own company, Martin Trucking. Friends and neighbors remember him as a man of integrity and dependability. Whether he was working on a job, partnering with a project, lending a hand to someone in need, simply offering a word of guidance, or pulling pranks that brought laughter, he touched the lives of many.

David enjoyed his livelihood in the trucking industry, working in his yard, and using his hands to build or fix things that lasted and brought joy to others. As a true homebody, his happy places were on his front porch, in his recliner watching old movies or listening to his music collection, and at his kitchen table enjoying a good cup of coffee or a good family meal.

David is survived by his devoted wife Jodie Martin; his loving children, David Martin, Jr. and Cherie Martin; his caring grandchildren, Kevin Martin and Gracie (& Caleb) Erwin; his great-grandchildren, Oaklynn and Colton Erwin; his sisters, Bonita Williamson and Patricia (& Tommy) Boudreaux; his brothers-in-law, Frozie (& Shirley) Trahan and Lynn (& Dena) Trahan; many nieces and nephews; and friends throughout East Texas who have been like family throughout the years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar & Joyce Martin; and his siblings, Ronnie Martin, Melinda Martin, and Jolene Jones.

A celebration of David Martin’s well-lived life will be held on September 27 at Jasper Church of Christ, where his stories will be shared, his memory will be honored, and his God will be praised.