TITLE: In memory of Will Martin Jr. of Victoria.

SUMMARY: In memory of Will Martin Jr. of Victoria.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the passing of Will Martin Jr. of Victoria on January 6, 2023, at the age of 74; and WHEREAS, Will Martin was born in Wharton on August 12, 1948, to George and Sarah Wleczyk, and he grew up with two siblings, Juanita and Elizabeth; after graduating from Victoria High School, he joined the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion as a steel worker; he attained the rank of petty officer third class, and he served with the U.S. Marine Corps and underwater demolition teams on tactical missions; over the course of his civilian career, he was a senior draftsman and mapmaker for the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission, a geologist for Continental Laboratories, and a sales consultant for Wholesale Tire Company in Victoria; and WHEREAS, Widely known for his advocacy work, Mr. Martin served as a commander of both Navy Seabee Veterans of America and American Legion Post No. 166, and he was involved with such organizations as Vietnam Veterans of America and Military Veterans and Patriots; moreover, he was appointed chair of the American Legion Department of Texas Legislative Commission, and he was the executive director of Conservative Texans for Charitable Bingo; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Martin enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Marilyn, with whom he shared 30 years; he was the devoted father of four children, Melodie, Sonya, Mancie, Tyler, and a stepson, Chad, and he also took great pride in his 11 grandchildren; his favorite leisure pursuits included football, hunting, and fishing; and WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family, his community, and his country, Will Martin earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Will Martin Jr. and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Marilyn Martin; to his children, Melodie Hall and her husband, Lloyd, Sonya Talley and her husband, Mark, Mancie Beck and her husband, Bill, and Tyler Neese and his wife, Emily Green; to his stepson, Chad Neese, and his wife, Jenifer; to his sister, Elizabeth Ward, and her husband, James; to his grandchildren, Brandon Griffith, Danielle, Chloe, and Caden Luna, Becca and Sammie Talley, Brodie and Coby Beck, Lizzy Neese, and Jessie and Jayden Burton; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Will Martin. Morrison Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 995 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 20, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House