Gary Lynn Martin

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for the life he lived, we announce the passing of Gary Lynn Martin of San Benito, Texas.

Born August 26, 1946, Gary was the son of Donald and Grace Martin and grew up in the San Benito area alongside his sisters, Kathy Ogdee, Joanne Nowakowski, and Patty Lumbers.

Gary was a hardworking man whose career took him in several directions throughout his life. He spent a number of years working for W.T. Liston in the Rio Grande Valley before following an entrepreneurial path and becoming co-owner of a plant nursery. Later, while living in Raleigh, North Carolina, Gary worked for A.G. Edwards and Wheels4Hope. Eventually, life brought him home again to the Rio Grande Valley and San Benito.

At the center of Gary’s life was his deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ. His faith was not simply a church affiliation; it was personal and deeply meaningful to him. He loved the Lord, found strength and hope in his relationship with Christ, and was a faithful attendee of Baptist Temple in San Benito.

Gary was a deeply loving father to his children, Gina Lynn (Martin) Rickard and Michael Donald Martin. His capacity for fatherhood, however, extended beyond his biological children. During important formative years in the lives of Joan McDonald, John McDonald, and Jeff McDonald, Gary stepped into the role of a meaningful father figure when having one mattered most. He especially delighted in John and Jeff being twins and took tremendous joy in heling raise then. Jeff preceded him in death.

Gary was also a proud and loving grandfather to Tanner, Lauren, and Wolfie. To them, he was simply “Grandpa,” a title he cherished.

There was always a bit of a kid in Gary, and thankfully, he never completely outgrew it. He remained a lifelong fan of Calvin and Hobbes and loved hot rods and classic cars, fishing, camping, and wildlife. He was especially active in Michael’s Boy Scout years, eagerly sharing in the campouts and outdoor adventures that created lasting memories between father and son.

Those who knew Gary best also knew how much he enjoyed a good card game, time spent with dear friends, plenty of laughter, and – if we are telling his story truthfully – a healthy appreciation for homemade moonshine.

One of the greatest blessings of Gary’s life came in his golden years, when he found in Janie Preston Martin the love he had always searched for.

Gary was completely and unabashedly crazy about Janie. With their marriage, his family grew once again as he became a stepfather to Janie’s children, Steve and Noelia, who welcomed him into their family with open arms. Gary and Janie treasured the time they spent with them and found great joy in being surrounded by their many grandchildren.

Janie was far more than Gary’s wife. She was the love of his life – the woman with whom he found the companionship, happiness, and enduring love his heart long sought.

Gary’s life was marked by faith, family, fatherhood, friendship, hard work, laughter, and love. He loved his children deeply, cherished being Grandpa, stepped forward to be a father when children needed one, treasured his friends, and was blessed to spend his golden years beside the woman he adored.

Above all, Gary loved Christ.

For those who now mourn him, there is profound comfort in knowing that the faith Gary carried throughout this life has now become sight.

Gary loved deeply, lived fully, and was deeply loved in return.

A funeral service will be held at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home in San Benito, TX on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.