Eldon Wesley "Pete" Martin

Eldon Wesley "Pete" Martin died September 24, 2024 in Abilene, Texas approximately one month shy of both his 100th birthday and his 75th wedding anniversary. Pete was a Godly man known for his steadfast faith and confidence in the promises of his Lord and Savior, his faithfulness to his wife and family, his love of the outdoors and growing things, bluegrass music, and his desire everyone love one another and get along whether it be family members, church, or America.

Pete was born October 29, 1924 near Dexter, Texas in the Delaware Bend area of Cooke County in northeast Texas. He attended school at Delaware Bend leaving school after the 10th grade to help on the farm to help support his family. He had many stories to tell of his days on the Red River with his cherished family, Earnest and Rena Martin and five brothers and five sisters. He and his brothers learned to live off the land and became expert hunters and trappers which prepared him for his life's work as a predatory animal control expert. He received much recognition for his abilities in the field over his 35 year career. Pete could fix most any kind of machinery and often used his carpentry skills to make toys and keepsakes for all his grandkids and great grands. He loved bluegrass music and played his guitar for over 30 years with a group of players and singers that met every Thursday evening. He and Betty volunteered when called upon by the Rehab and RSVP program served the church in many ways.

 He met a young lady named Betty who was picking cotton in a field adjacent to where he lived and wasted no time in proposing marriage to her. He often said he had to move quickly before she got away They were married in Mabank, Texas on October 22, 1949. Pete set out on a career that extended from the Waggoner Ranch in Vernon, Texas to his career with the Texas A&M Extension Service-Predatory Animal Control Division serving Taylor County, Texas. He and Betty made Abilene their final stop and made a home there.

 Pete was preceded in death by his dad, his mother, and his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of75 years Betty Sanders Martin of Abilene, two daughters - Sharon (Tommy) Foster of Abilene and Terri (Arlis) Wright of Abilene. Also, by granddaughters-Kristen (Scott) Schwertner of Lake Jackson, Kelly (Chad) Chambers of College Station, and grandson-Kent (Courtney) Foster of Prosper. He has seven great grands including Meghan & Kate Schwertner, Cooper & Hadley Chambers, and Jackson, Kyle, and Montgomery Foster.

 We will miss our constant source of wisdom, encouragement, and mentorship, but mostly his unconditional love he shared with all of us no matter what.

 Honorary pallbearers will be the Abilene Bluegrass group and the Sundowners Good Sam Club.

 Funeral services are planned for 1:00 Friday, September 27th at Wylie Methodist Church with Pastor Jeff Hatcher presiding. Family graveside services will be Tuesday, October Ist at 10:00 at Elmwood Memorial Park. Memorials may be given to Wylie Methodist Church at 3430 Antilley Road in Abilene, Texas 79606.