Joseph Claude Martin, III.

JOSEPH CLAUDE MARTIN, III.

May 3, 1941 – October 29, 2023

Joseph Claude Martin, III., 82, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Sunday, October 29, 2023.

Mr. Martin was a lifelong resident of Laredo and a descendant of several of the oldest South Texas families. His ancestors were active in every facet of ranching, commerce, and politics in Laredo and in both Webb and LaSalle counties. Upon finishing his education, he returned to Laredo and was involved in both the insurance business and real estate development as well as ranching, construction, and oil and gas exploration. His civic activity spanned virtually every organization in Laredo. He served on the Boards and chaired too many of them to mention. He was a Trustee, for many years, of the Bruni Mineral Trust and in 1997 he succeeded his father as a co-trustee of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust, which has benefited countless individuals in the city that he loved. He was especially proud of his service on the Board of the Laredo National Bank having succeeded both his father and his grandfather as a member. 

Mr. Martin’s two favorite pastimes were wing shooting and travel, both of which he pursued often and passionately, combining both whenever possible. His organizational skills were superior to those of any travel agent. His friends in the shooting world ranged from South American bird boys to Italian gunmakers.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Claude Martin, Jr. and Anita Ligarde Martin.

Left to cherish his memory are his partner Rita K. Peters; children, Michelle (William) Martin Elliott, Melissa (Kenny) Martin Baldwin, Joseph Claude Martin, IV., and Albert Martin, II.; grandchildren, Andy (Celeste) Shults, Charles D. Maynard, III, Melissa E. Maynard, Chantal Martin, Hunter J. Baldwin, and Tyler J. Baldwin; great-grandchildren, Beckem D. Edwards and Presley Lennon W. Shults; siblings, Patsy (Mickey) Galo, Josephine (Richard) Cohen, and Minnie (Will) Baird; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended relatives and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday morning, November 3, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Chapel Service will commence at 10:30 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Jay Peters, Stanley Peters, Joe Martin, IV., Albert Martin, II., Andy Shults, Charles Maynard, III., Hunter Baldwin, and Tyler Baldwin.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Kenny Baldwin and William Elliott.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to: Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.