EMMETT LELDON "E.L." MARTIN, 95, of Hobbs, NM,
passed away peacefully on July 30, 2020, with
burial in Weatherford, TX where he was laid to
rest by his first wife.
E.L. was a beloved husband, father, grandfather,
and great-grandfather. He was the most gentle,
caring, loving, and compassionate man. He was
the nicest, sweetest man in the room, no matter
the crowd. His contagious smile and funny nature
will be missed by all who knew him.
Leldon was born Jan. 19, 1925 to Emmett Lucian &
Ellie Mae Martin in Weatherford, TX. He graduated
from Ranger High School in the Class of 1942 at
Ranger, TX. He attended Ranger Jr. College and
Oxford University in London. In May 1943, he was
drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the 75th
Infantry Division. He was in several battles,
including the Battle of the Bulge. He served
until 1946. He married Mary Elizabeth Richards
(RHS-1947) in Jan. of 1948 in Ranger, TX. They
were married until Mary's death in 2003. E.L.
was blessed to find love a second time in his
life. He married Melba Comba in 2004, and she
was by his side until his last moments on this
earth. E.L. was a respected businessman all of
his life. He was a lifetime merchant, and most
recently known as the original owner of Martin
Boot Co. He was also involved in banking as a
director with a group of banks in Texas. He was
also a partner in an oil business in Texas.
E.L. is survived by his wife of the home, Melba
Martin, his son Emmett, and his husband, Steve
of Tucson Arizona, his son Richard Martin and
wife Rose of Hobbs, daughter Sandra Goad and
her husband Bob, grandchildren Kelly Bagby,
Jill Pardo, Danielle Martin, Sarah Goodwin,
Matthew Martin, Traci Reynolds, Mallory Tinley,
Easten Aiken, Lance Martin, Rylan Martin. Also
numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-
grandchildren.
E.L. is preceded in death by his parents, Emmett
Lucian and Ellie Mae Martin, his wife Mary Martin,
his daughter Julie Martin, his sister Jane Carver
(RHS-1938), brothers Charlie Martin & Jimmy Martin
(RHS-1947).