Martin Leon Jensen

Martin Jensen passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in Abilene, Texas, just a few weeks before what would have been his 79th birthday.

Martin was born on October 27, 1947, in Stamford, Texas, to Wilburn and Artie Mae (Miller) Jensen. He was, by five minutes, the eldest of twin sons. Throughout their lives, Martin and his twin brother, Milton, were inseparable. Martin touched the lives of many through his profound sense of humor, kindness, warmth, creativity, and generosity. He was a devoted friend and a beloved uncle and great-uncle to his nephews and their families.

Martin graduated from Avoca High School in 1965. Just two weeks later, he began his college education at Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, Texas, where he earned a degree in history and speech. He later returned to college at Baylor University, earning a degree in accounting in 1973.

During his teaching career, Martin taught in Moulton and Columbus, Texas, before realizing that his true passion was accounting. He worked for many years as an accountant for Tippett and Gee Engineering Firm until the company closed. He spent years gardening on his own before beginning work at Mankins.

Martin had a deep love for plants and nature, and he especially cherished his beloved Shih Tzu, Bella.

Martin also had a lifelong connection to the Swenson House. Growing up near Avoca, where portions of the Swenson Ranch were located, he developed a deep appreciation for the historic home. When the Swenson family approached the Abilene Preservation League about donating the Swenson House to them, Martin was one of the strongest advocates for its acquisition.

Martin also played a crucial role in engaging the Boy Scouts in Eagle Scout projects on the Swenson property. Through his efforts, numerous Scouts contributed to the preservation and beautification of the Swenson House, proudly earning their badges through projects that included cleaning the pond, planting a variety of plants around the house, creating the wedding path, building a small arbor at the corner of Merchant and 17th Street, and completing many other projects.

Martin Jensen’s dedication, vision, and countless hours of service left a lasting mark on the Swenson House and helped make it the cherished landmark it is today.

Martin was a man of faith and a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, which remained close to his heart throughout his life. His generous heart extended to God’s animals as well, and he devoted time and care to the Taylor-Jones Humane Society.

Martin will be remembered for his quick wit, gentle spirit, generosity, love of nature, and devotion to the people, animals, and places that mattered most to him. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in the lasting work he helped accomplish in his community.

Martin was proceeded in death by his parents, Wilburn & Artie Mae Jensen, and a sister-in-law, Becky Jensen.

Martin is survived by his twin brother, Milton Jensen of Avoca, Texas, brother, John Jensen of Lueders, Texas; sister, Dr. Annette Jensen of Midland, Texas; 3 nephews, Tony Jensen and wife, Tommi Jensen, John Carl Jensen and Randy Jensen all of Avoca, Texas; 2 great nephews, Jay Jensen and wife Jill and daughter Tatum, and Logan Jensen all of Avoca, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Tankersley Funeral Home, 807 Columbia Street, Stamford, TX from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026. Martin’s life will be celebrated with graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26th at the Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery with Rev. Richard Strait and Johnna Page, PLM officiating.

Memorials may be sent to Bethel Lutheran Church, PO Box 828, Stamford, TX 79553 or the Taylor-Jones Humane Society, 2301 N. 3rd Street, Abilene, TX 79603.