Robert David Martin JoAnn Frances Shaw Martin
DOB: 11/29/1926 in Houston TX DOB: 12/19/1933 on Galveston Island, TX
Date of Death: 02/15/2026 Date of Death: 09/18/2025
Bob was born on Nov. 29, 1926, in Houston to, Charles “Budge” Martin and Julia Brizzolara Martin. Bob attended Stephen F. Austin High School. After graduation, he joined the Navy and served for two years. Upon returning to Houston, he attended the University of Houston. He was a U of H cheerleader in the late 40s and was instrumental in the Cavaliers, which later became a Sigma Nu chapter. Bob served as President of Sigma Nu.
JoAnn was born on Dec. 19, 1933, to Helen Dwyer Shaw and Wayne Eugene Shaw. She was BOI (born on the island – Galveston) a fact she was quite proud of. JoAnn also attended Stephen F. Austin High School and then worked for Tenneco until she and Bob started their family. They met in 1952 and married on April 21, 1953. A marriage full of love and laughter that lasted over 72 years. Together they raised three children. Leigh Ann, Buzz (Jean), and Carol. They fussed about not having grandchildren and then had six in six years. They were so proud of and loved all their Grandchildren: Ben (Elissa), Philippa (Bartolomeo), George, Eileen (Sam), Taylor (Lewis) and Jared (Celani). They were lucky to have been able to meet their only great-grandchild, Francesco, last March.
They lived in Houston, La Porte, Clear Lake, Praha and Rockport before their final move to Katy. Music always filled their house and if you knew Bob, you must have heard him play piano at some point in your life. He was the entertainment in the cocktail lounge of life. He had a quick wit and the smoothest moves of anyone on a dance floor. JoAnn was a beauty that never lost her smile and spark, even in her 90’s. She was always beautiful inside and out. They loved the water and enjoyed many an evening sail from their home on Galveston Bay. They made friends wherever they went. Their move to the country in Praha, down to Rockport and then to Katy was filled with great friends and good times. JoAnn never missed a beat when she learned of her cancer diagnosis (in 2020). She still enjoyed gardening, entertained at the drop of a hat, cooked all their meals and laughed until she cried as often as possible. She took care of Bob up until the last two weeks of her life. Even then, she was making sure he was taken care of. It was such an honor and a blessing for all their children to take part in her care. Both passed peacefully with their children at their side. Joann in September and Bob in February.
Together again, dancing and laughing, just like in life.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 5373 Franz Rd., Katy TX 77493. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or CAPS (Citizens for Animal Protection, 17555 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77094).
In Memoriam