Milton Martin

Milton Homer Martin, 73, of Stamford passed away Sept. 26, 2012 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. The Stamford native was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and coach.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 9-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012 in the Fellowship Hall at the Orient Street Church of Christ in Stamford. Graveside services will follow at 11 a.m. at Spring Creek Cemetery in Avoca.

Wes Horn, minister of the Orient Street Church of Christ, will officiate. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home in Stamford.

Milton, born Nov. 9, 1938 in Stamford, was the only child of Morris and Inez (Preston) Martin. He played on the UIL Class B state basketball championship team in 1955 and graduated from Avoca High School in 1957. While playing for Hardin Simmons University from 1957-1961, he set and still holds the school record for the most free throws made in a game. He was the all time leading scorer for the Cowboys until his record was broken in the 1994-1995 season. In 1985, Martin was inducted into the HSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1961, after graduating from HSU, he married Linda Barnes in Lubbock. He taught and coached in Lubbock, Henrietta, Lueders-Avoca and Stamford. During his 39 year career, he taught science, coached basketball and golf and also served as principal at Lueders-Avoca.

An avid golfer, Milton also enjoyed woodworking and playing dominoes. Called Papa by his grandchildren, he enjoyed watching their activities, especially the two oldest play high school basketball.

Milton was a faithful member of the Orient Street Church of Christ for 44 years. After retirement, he kept the grounds at the church, taking great pride in the yard and flowers. A man of quiet service, Milton never called attention to his many acts of kindness. His benevolence included donating his time, expertise and skill to projects for family, friends, neighbors and anyone needing help.

Milton is survived by his wife of 50 years; daughter, Amanda and husband Shane Hadaway, granddaughters Carson, Reagan, Hollyn of Haskell; son, Derek and wife Kim, granddaughter Mackenzee and grandson Brayden of Lubbock; and daughter, Wendi and husband Kenn Newberry, granddaughter Katie and grandson Tyler of Rochester.

Pallbearers will be Rex Ford, Joe Garcia, Matt Higgins, Wes Horn, Dennis Huffaker, and Mike Sloan. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Children's Home of Lubbock, PO Box 2824, Lubbock, TX 79408.