Major Ernest Lionel Martin, Retired

Ernest Lionel “Lon” Martin of San Antonio, Texas passed on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

Lon was born in Norfolk, Virginia on August 2, 1937, to Eugene Vernon and Dorothy Aline Martin. After growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, Lon received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Virginia Military Institute “VMI”. After graduating from VMI, Lon joined the US Army. In the Army Lon flew helicopters (Huey and Cobra) and fixed wing planes (Caribou). Over the course of his US Army career, including tours in Vietnam and Korea, Lon received The Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, The Air Medal eight times, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Senior Army Aviator Badge. After 20 years of service and earning the rank of Major, Lon retired from the US Army.

Lon went on to build a 20-year career with Prudential Life Insurance. In his first year with Prudential, Lon won an award for the best insurance agent among all insurance companies in the San Antonio, Texas area. During his time with Prudential, in sales and management, Lon and his family lived in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and El Paso, Texas.

Upon retiring from the workforce, Lon and Patricia “Patty” moved back to San Antonio, Texas from El Paso to be near their children and grandchildren. Lon loved being a grandpa, with the title “Grandpa the Great” being bestowed upon him by his grand and great grandchildren. Lon adored picking up his grandchildren and their friends after school, attending school events and just spending time with his grand and great grandchildren. They were the absolute joy of his life.

Throughout his life Lon was an avid golfer and enjoyed his time on the course with his friends. In 2014, he achieved a hole-in-one at Randolph Air Force Base and attended the Master’s Golf Tournament in Augusta. Lon was also known for enjoying lunches with friends at Jason’s Deli. He was a member of the Masonic Temple, Shriners and was involved in community service.

Lon is preceded in death by his father Eugene Vernon Martin, mother Dorothy Aline Martin, brother Eugene Vernon Martin Jr., sister Marilyn Ann Mick, daughter Lori Ann Markle, son-in-law William Wrick Markle, and grandson Ellery Everett Walker.

Lon is survived by his wife of 64 years Patricia “Patty” Mae Martin, son Bradford Lionel Martin (Terri), daughters Susan Jean Martin and Kimberly Dawn Martin (Todd), granddaughters Amy Austin Lynch (Ryan) and Christina Cheyenne Sommerville (Shye), grandson William Cody Markle (Kate), great-granddaughters Olivia Emily Lynch and Julianna Faith Lynch and great-grandson Noah Ashton Lynch.