Thomas James Martin

Tom Martin, 57, died Saturday, June 27, 2009, at his residence in Clyde, Texas. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on September 29, 1951, Tom was the son of Jewel (McMillan) and Acie Martin. In 1962, he moved from Corpus Christi to Abilene. As an Abilene firefighter for 33 years, Tom protected his community and always put his fellow man before himself. As a father, he was full of wisdom and guidance; he always put his family first and there was love behind everything he did. As a friend, Tom was honest, full of laughs, and a true man of respect and integrity. Tom married Andrea Hemphill on May 1, 1979 in Abilene. He was a member of Hwy 36 Church of Christ and the Firefighters Association. Her parents and one sister, Barbara Pearson, preceded him in death. Tom is survived by his wife, Andrea Martin of Clyde; daughter, Melissa Martin and fiancé, Daniel Baltes, of Clyde; brother, Rick Martin of Abilene; and sister, Betty Elliott and husband, Willie, of Houston. We will never stop missing you, but you are finally free, and for that we find it in ourselves to be grateful. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 1st , at Hwy 36 Church of Christ officiating by Billy Berny and Chris Hale. Interment will follow in Eula Cemetery under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Gary Collins, Clifton Morrison, David Standard, John Bogart, John Blackeney, Steve Saffel, Aaron Barr and Buddy Sessom. Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79601, or the donor's favorite charity.