Robert "R.C." Martin

Robert Martin, who is known by all as R.C., was born in Livingston, Texas where he lived a country boy's life. He moved to Port Arthur at the age of 11 but always remained a "Country Boy". After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1949 he began his career at Texaco Refinery, where he retired as a well respected supervisor. After getting a job he immediately brought the love of his life Lois Gafford from Livingston to be married and start a family. The country in R. C. included playing music, he was a natural, well known to the country music crowd as one of the best steal-guitar player to be found. He and his band and closest friend Jim Deloney played throughout Southeast Texas for 40 plus years, hosting numerous stars such as George Jones, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley and many more. R. C. and Lois raised two children, Donna and Ricky, then came five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. R. C. and Lois were as close to their son-in-law Charlie Soileau and daughter-in-law Debbie Hebert Martin and loved them as their own He loved his family and shared his country ways with all the kids. He loved to hunt in the piney woods with family and spend time at the old home place with Donna Gail and Ricky's families. He enjoyed following the grandkids sports and was very proud of their life accomplishments. R. C. never had a problem bragging about his kids. He could not be outdone! Survivors include his wife, Lois Gafford Martin of Groves; daughter, Donna Gail Soileau and her husband Charlie of Groves; son Ricky Martin and his wife Debbie of Groves; grandchildren, Benny Soileau and wife Angie, Scott Soileau and wife Laura, Kelli Borel and husband Matt, Mandi Garsea and husband Brandon, and Candice Martin Drawhorn; great-grandchildren, Grey Soileau, Ella Soileau, Connor Soileau, Logan Soileau, Molly Soileau, Ethan Borel, Annalie Borel, Juliana Borel, Caleb Drawhorn, Carson Drawhorn, Preslie Garsea, and Joshua Garsea. R. C. and Lois attended Wesley United Methodist Church of Nederland. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 25, 2016 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with Reverend Douglas Caldwell. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.