Raymond Lewis Martin

A warrior to the end, Raymond Martin of Orange passed away Monday, May 22, 2020, at home in the arms of loved ones. He had overcome cancer, continuing to struggle against diabetes, heart trouble and Parkinson’s for decades. To the amazement of all his doctors, he survived to the age of 82. His last words to his wife that morning were, “I’m okay.” Indeed, he was.

Raymond was born in McAllen Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in 1937, at that time holding the record as the largest baby born there at over 12 pounds. His size and ever present grin always made him stand out. In high school he was affectionately known as Swamper, and his old McHi Bulldog teammates still call him that.

In high school Raymond was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and track. He was honored with numerous awards at the local and state level. He won a full scholarship to Texas A & M, where he played under Coach Bear Bryant. A devastating injury ended his athletic career there. He returned to McAllen and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Rogers, whom he had continually annoyed in study hall for two years. The editor and the athlete were always considered an unlikely pair, but they were married for 62 years. His picture now hangs in the McAllen High School Hall of Honor as one of the ten best athletes in McHi’s over 100 year history.

Raymond and Marilyn moved to Beaumont, Texas, where their three children were born. After graduating from Lamar University, he began teaching at Hardin-Jefferson High School. Serving there for 30 years as teacher and later Director of Transportation, he and Marilyn loved their students and followed their children’s endeavors over countless miles with many friends.

After his retirement, Raymond and Marilyn traveled the globe by themselves and with lifelong friends. Raymond loved fishing and football. He was an active doer and builder, woodworker, mechanic and hoarder of tools. An eager adventurer, his exploits were many, yet he somehow survived. His fearless friends will attest to the fact that exaggeration was unnecessary. As his physical abilities declined, he remained relentlessly as active as possible.

Raymond was a wonderful husband and companion, devoted father always there for his kids, and a genuine friend to all he met. He was a champion on and off the field, steadfast to the end.

He was predeceased by his parents Richard Pierce Martin and Belva Williams Martin, his loving grandmother Mabel Rhine Eastman, his older sister Ruth Harriet Martin, and an infant son. He is survived by his children Suzanne Martin Simmons of Orange, son Jeffrey Rogers Martin and his wife Melissa Allen Martin of Beaumont, and daughter Leslie Ellen Burch and her husband Mark of Orange. Their grandchildren are Christopher Martin, Petty Officer and IT submariner USN and his wife Ania Duhaime Martin of Groton, Connecticut; granddaughter Alyssa Rose Kelley and her brother Cody Kelley of Orange; and granddaughter Hannah Marie Martin of Beaumont. He is also survived by his younger sister Bonnie Martin Van Ramshorst and her husband Jacob of Sugar Land. There are numerous nieces and nephews who loved their amazing Uncle Raymond, and they are a great comfort to the remaining family.

Visitation will be at Claybar Kelly Watkins Funeral Home of Beaumont, on Friday, May 22, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., with funeral service following at 11. Interment will take place at Haven of Rest on Hwy 90, Beaumont.