Mark Seely Martin

Mark Seely Martin Jr., 84, passed away on October 19, 2014. He was born on April 23, 1930 to Joyce and Mark S. Martin, Sr., in Lincoln, Nebraska.He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Gorham and his wife of sixty-two years, Donna Taylor Martin. Mark is survived by his sister, Amy Skinner of Lincoln, Nebraska and his three children, Kristy McCarter and husband Larry of Charlotte, North Carolina, Mark S. Martin, III and wife Brenda of Midland, Texas, and Randy Martin and wife Donna of Wichita Falls, Texas; eight grandchildren, Taylor Johnson and husband Chris; Matt McCarter and wife Yadira; Craig McCarter and wife Meredith; Ashley Bergen and husband Brandon; Katy Martin; and Kelsey, Molly, and Garrett Martin; four great grandchildren, Sebashtian, Piper, Campbell, and Brady Johnson.Pallbearers will be Chris Johnson, Matt McCarter, Craig McCarter, Brandon Bergen, and Garrett Martin.After graduating from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1948, Mark attended the University of Nebraska and Nebraska Wesleyan, where he participated in football, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and good times with friends. At Wesleyan, he met the love of his life, Donna, to whom he proposed marriage just weeks before leaving to fulfill his commitment to the United States Air Force. Mark served in Korea and Japan during the Korean War and, upon his return, was stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base near Detroit, where he and Donna started their family.Following his Air Force service, Mark moved his family back to Lincoln, where he finished his education at the University of Nebraska. Soon thereafter, Mark found himself in the oil business working as a landman all over Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. His family lived (and grew) in Oklahoma City, Elk City and Ardmore, Oklahoma until, in 1965, Mark accepted an assignment with Samedan Oil Corporation in Midland, which became his “last stop” and permanent home.Mark spent countless hours coaching youth sports (football, basketball and baseball) while his kids were growing up and volunteering in various fundraising activities. He also served two terms (1974-1978) on the Midland City Council and a term as President of the Permian Basin Landman’s Association, where he was active most of his career as a Certified Professional Landman. He was also an involved member of the Partners Class at First United Methodist Church for over 45 years.Mark thoroughly enjoyed golf (especially if there was a dollar or two at stake), and delighted in his hole-in-one at Ranchland Country Club in 1981. He and Donna enjoyed traveling during retirement and especially their vacations with close friends, Bruce and Donna Evans. He truly loved life, his wife and friends and, perhaps most of all, his children and grandchildren. No one, however, was spared from his good-natured ribbing. Most often, his good humor was wrapped around a grain of truth and amazingly insightful life advice.Special thanks from the family are offered to the nurses, aides and other professionals at Manor Park (Younger Center), who offered expert care and love following the loss of his beloved wife and best friend, Donna. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 12:00PM, Thursday, October 23, 2014 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, with private graveside burial preceding, and reception to follow. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 300 N Main St, Midland, TX 79701; Manor Park, 2208 N. Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79707; or a charity of your choice. Written condolences may be sent C/O Brenda Martin, Beach Exploration Inc., 800 N. Marienfeld St, Suite 200 Midland, Texas 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.  ,