Dean “Dino” Howard Martin, 83, gained his heavenly wings on October 13, 2025. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas on September 12, 1942. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1960. He continued his education at Lamar Tech to become an electrician, then was hired by Texaco for the instrumentation apprentice program. He retired with over 30 of service in 1998, and lived a life of leisure for several years at his camp on Toledo Bend. In his young adult years, he was also a member of the Optimist Club of Nederland, and he served and was Honorably Discharged from the Army National Guard.
Dino had a remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met, forging friendships that stood the test of time. His warmth and humor were infectious; he was a master storyteller and loved to share jokes that brought smiles and laughter to all. He had his own fishing tournaments at Toledo Bend called “The Dino Martin Tournament” for 10 years. A requirement for participation was to wear a silly hat while catching fish. The memories made at the gatherings were cherished by all.
Dino loved fishing, hunting, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. If there was a gathering, he was always entertaining the crowd.
Dino is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nola Louise Martin, his daughter, Shelby Martin Hubbard, stepson, Gregory Wayne Johnson and his wife, Beth, stepdaughter, Tracie Johnson Rawson and her husband, Shane and his daughter-in-law, Patricia Martin. He had six grandchildren; Jordan Martin Gallier and her husband, Matt, Katelyn Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Tyce De Los Santos, and Arnan Rawson. Two great-grandchildren, Everly Gallier and Rory Gallier. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Wayne Martin and many nieces and nephews.
Dino was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Ray and Annie Lou Martin, his brother, James Ray Martin, his first wife, Patsy Jordan Martin, and his son, Gregory “Tiny” Dean Martin.
A visitation to honor Dino’s memory will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 2-3 p.m. with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th Street, Groves, Texas. Following the service, the family invites everyone to Revive Church at 2024 Nederland Avenue, Nederland, Texas, for a meal and sharing of memories.
As we remember Dino, we celebrate a life rich with laughter and love, a man whose spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, https://humanesocietyofsoutheasttexas.org, or a charity of your choice.