Larry Howard Martin's Obituary
Larry Howard Martin – February 26, 1944 – March 25, 2018Survived by his sisters, Virginia Brown and Pat Starnes, as well as his devoted wife, Sharon Martin; son, James Martin; daughter & son-in-law, Stacie and Steve Poythress; two grandsons, Tony Martin and Christopher Kocian alongside many cousins, nieces, and nephews who he loved with all his heart.Larry joins his deceased son, Jason Martin as well as his deceased step son, Chris Mock in heaven today.Larry was born near Corpus Christi, TX in Nueces County to Joel Elastis Martin and Ida Valera Collins. He had five siblings (3 brothers and 2 sisters): Joe Martin, Bobby Martin, Richard Martin, Patricia Starnes and Virginia Brown. His family moved to the Fort Worth area where he grew up and attended school. He began a career in the food industry as a young man, working for many companies. At age 22, he met and married the mother of his children, Sharon Marie Spillers, and they raised their children in DeSoto, TX and started Hereford Haven Meat Markets.Later in life, he met and married his 2nd wife Sharon Ann Martin. Together with their son, James Martin, they founded Nature’s Way Farms which is a produce company. There were years of passionate devotion and sacrifice he gladly gave to his work, and to his family through his work.In both of these chapters of his life, he was committed and he loved his family, coworkers, neighbors, and friends – but that would not keep him from squaring off with you in a good game or debate. He was competitive and had a strong wit and commitment to being positive (and to winning! Did I say winning?) Dominos, Card games, word games, even dice or Yahtzee – if you were playing with him, you were fighting to win against a formidable opponent!Over the years Larry had hobbies such as bowling, dancing at Cowboys (where he met his wife Sharon), classic cars and golf. Later in his life he also enjoyed bird watching and gardening, good movies and the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, and cooking on Sunday afternoons with his son James.He was committed to positive perspectives and had a huge overcoming spirit. He truly lived to the fullest, laughed as often as possible, and Loved with all his heart.Charitable donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross in his memory.Services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Restland Abbey Chapel, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.If you would like to send flowers, the florist contact is: Rembrandt Florist, 972-761-8989
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