Robert Wayne Martin

Robert “Wayne” Martin, of Oletha, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Waco at the age of 68.

Family and friends may pay their respects at Groesbeck Funeral Home on Tuesday through Thursday, from 8:00 until 5:00 p.m. each day and until the funeral on Friday.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Richard Williams of the Church of Christ of Groesbeck officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Union Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Bostick, Jared Nettles, Russell Scott, James Howard Scott, and Ross Worden.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mitch Echols, Rick Jadlowski, Kelly Thompson, Kyle Thompson, Karl Shiflett, Doug Yarborough, Charlie Martin, Kenneth Martin, David Martin, Kelly Boyd, Randy Ingram, Keith Sherrod, Mack Jones, and two friends who have preceded him in death, Willie Wedgman and Jimmy Baldwin.

Wayne was born in Groesbeck on October 25, 1956, to Guy “Red” Martin, Jr and Martha Mae (Nettles) Martin. Growing up, Wayne enjoyed participating in 4H and rodeoing. Bronc riding always gave him such a thrill. He spent a lot of time with extended family and forged friendships with classmates that lasted him a lifetime.

In 1986, Wayne and Vera (Wernette) Martin welcomed their son, Michael Wayne. During Michael’s childhood, Wayne was a fun-loving father that supported Michael’s interest in the outdoors. You could often find Wayne and Michael working hard alongside Red, tending to land and cattle or running one of several businesses, including fertilizer, liquid feed, bulldozing, and septic systems. Wayne had successful careers at the local coal mines and in oilfield logistics.

Wayne lived at the homeplace which was his grandfather’s house and continued to assist with raising cattle, baling hay, and gardening. Even from his wheelchair, he raised an overflowing garden full of tomatoes and watermelons, which he loved to give away to others. He was meticulous in taking care of his equipment and was always interested in the local history of the area. 

One of Wayne’s big interests and talents was in music. He wrote songs and some great poems, including one about “Red Martin.” He actually wrote many of his songs on the wall in his music room. In 2022, Michael took Wayne to Alpine for the Cowboy Poetry Festival, where they enjoyed great music, good food, and the scenic Davis Mountains.

Wayne was a giver at heart – he loved to give gifts, share stories, pick a few songs, and call to just check in.

He endured many health problems in recent years, which lead to eventually losing both legs and spending many days and months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers under the care of great physicians and nurses. He always wanted to return home, which he was able to do quite a few times.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Red and Martha Martin and brother, Layne Martin, as well as cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Emily Martin of Bryan; sister and brother-in-law, Jayne & David Bostick of Groesbeck; aunts, Jean Nettles and Jo Boyd of Groesbeck; and beloved cousins and extended family.