Emmett Leldon "E.L" Martin

Emmett Leldon "E.L." Martin, 95, of Hobbs, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2020.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. E.L. was born January 19, 1925 to Emmett Lucian and Ellie Mae Martin in Weatherford, TX. He graduated from Ranger High School. He attended Ranger Junior College and Oxford University in London. In May 1943 he was drafted into the 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 on January 30, 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 on August 10, 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. was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett Lucian and Ellie Mae Martin, his wife Mary Martin, his daughter Julie Martin, his sister Jane Carver, brothers Charlie Martin and Jimmy Martin. 

Services will be held at the Chapel of Hope on Dal Paso Street in Hobbs on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 10:00 am and will be live streamed on Facebook for those who cannot attend. A Graveside service will follow at 11am, Monday, August 10, 2020 in City Greenwood Cemetery, Weatherford, Texas where he will be laid to rest by his first wife Mary.