October 5, 1944 ~ September 17, 2026
Kenneth Nelson Martin, a lifelong resident of Fisher County and a man deeply rooted in faith, family, and service, passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 81 after Lewy Body Parkinson’s Disease. We grieve his loss deeply, but we also feel immense pride in the legacy he left behind—both through his dedicated service to the community and his enduring love for us. Our family was incredibly blessed by having this precious man in our lives to call Dad and Pa Pa.
Born on October 5, 1944 in Rotan, Kenneth grew up in the Sardis community and remained connected to the place he called home throughout his life. Fisher County was not simply where he lived, but where he built his life. From a very young age, he began farming, embracing the hard work and responsibility that would remain hallmarks of his character for the rest of his life.
Kenneth also served his community through his work with the Fisher County Sheriff’s Department from 1985 until 2008. Over the course of those years, he took on increasing responsibility, beginning as a dispatcher, then serving as a deputy, and later becoming chief deputy before his retirement. His years in law enforcement reflected his commitment to public service and to the people of Fisher County. He was a member of the Roby Chapter of the Lions Club International for three decades. Kenneth also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities.
Faith was an important part of Kenneth’s life as well. He was a deacon and song leader at Sardis Baptist Church, serving his church family with dedication and heart. His presence in worship and leadership within the church were meaningful expressions of the values by which he lived.
Above all, Kenneth will be remembered as a family man. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Myers Martin. He also leaves behind his children and their families: his son, Kenny Martin and his wife Jackie; his son John Everett; his daughters, Kathy Cave and her husband Walter, Debbie McDonald, Kristy Coons and her husband Bryan, Karie Turner and her husband Kevin, and daughter Toni Martin.
Kenneth’s legacy continues through his grandchildren, who were an important part of his life: Katie Pickrell and her husband Josh, Wesley Putnam, Brad Putnam, Nikki Woodard and her husband Matt, Lee McDonald and Fiancé Marissa, Will Martin, Kallie Grace Coons, Christopher Coons, Kristen Jones and her husband Robert, Keyli Hirsch and her husband Logan, and Kolbi Turner. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Keraleigh, Brynleigh, Raeleigh, Natalie, Heaven, Lola, Addison, Jalen, Braylen, Aubrey, Kennedy, Luke, and Georgia. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Beth Martin, as well as many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Carl Martin; his mother, Stella Mae Martin; his granddaughter, Kera Martin; his brothers, Eddie Martin, Willie Martin, Anson Martin, and Ivin Martin; and his sisters, Lillian Yeats, Geneva Thompson, and Betty Jane Forbes.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on September 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Weathersbee Ray Funeral Home, 111 N. McKinley Ave., Rotan, Texas 79546. A funeral service will be held on September 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Cross Roads Baptist Church, 602 FM 1657, Rotan, Texas 79546. Burial will take place at Sardis Cemetery in Rotan, Texas.
Kenneth will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives were blessed by knowing him.