Tributes

Paul Gene Martin was born on August 30, 1937, in Weatherford, Texas to Murray W. Martin and Alma Ruth Lathrop Martin. He was the 2nd of 6 children in his family. Paul departed this earthly life on August 14, 2023, just short of his 86th birthday. After graduation from Weatherford High School in 1955, Paul accepted scholarships to both Midwestern and Trinity University. Paul graduated from Trinity University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and accepted a teaching and coaching position in the San Antonio ISD. In September 1959 Paul married his high school sweetheart, Linda Merritt. They both began their Education careers in the SAISD, which would cover a span of 36 years. Paul started at Emerson Middle School, and in 1962 moved to Burbank High School as an assistant football, track and basketball coach and was later promoted to head football coach. In 1969, Paul became the head football coach at Highlands High School, a position he would serve in for almost 20 years. After leaving coaching, Paul became the Vice Principal at Fox Tech High School where he remained until he retired in 1995. However, even in retirement, Paul still found time to assist the football programs at St. Gerards and San Antonio Christian High Schools. Paul was honored in many ways during his life, but there were two that he deemed most special. In 2005, he was inducted into the Weatherford High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2015 he was inducted into the San Antonio ISD Athletic Hall of Fame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-kG5WYb2kE&t=4s Paul was a proud and faithful member of the Southeast Church of Christ for 50 years where he served as a Deacon for most of those years. Above all, Paul was proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linda Merritt Martin, and two children, Kelly Martin Doolittle and husband Dan, Andrew Merritt Martin and wife Kim; three grandchildren, Jake Martin Doolittle and wife Kristin of Rolling Hills Estate, California, Kelsey Merritt Thompson and husband Nate of Austin, Texas, and Brock Andrew Martin of San Antonio; and four great grandchildren Lily Kathryn and Luke Austin Doolittle, Ellington Esperanza and Margot Merritt Thompson; and one brother, Ronnie Martin of Weatherford, Texas. We appreciate the many prayers and condolences we’ve received since “Coach’s” passing. If you would like to honor Paul’s memory, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s in his memory: http://act.alz.org/goto/Coach_Paul_Martin Coach, we love you dearly and look forward to seeing you again. For now, please watch over us.

Tributes

Paul Gene Martin

August 30, 1937 - August 14, 2023