McMartin memorial
It is with a broken heart that I share that my parents, Clayton and Melissa McMartin, passed away this past week on August 27th, 2023. As many know, my father was a pilot and they each had a deep admiration for Alaska and all that the Last Frontier had to offer. Whether it be fishing, sightseeing, or simply spending time together, they soaked up each moment of their 3 summers there and often times reflected on just how different it was then where they each grew up.
On the morning of August 27th, they loaded their plane with all they would need to go visit their baby grandson in Washington and to enjoy some family time before hunting season began, my dad’s first moose hunt. They never arrived at their destination but instead were involved in a fatal accident, confirmed by the National Parks Service on September 5th, 2023. While this is an unmeasurable tragedy to so many, myself and my siblings find comfort in the fact that they were together and will be forever, just as they always intended.
My parents were my compass, and the anchor for my identity. As I am sure many will agree, they were incredibly generous and a joy to be around. They had an infectious gusto for life and adventured together beyond their own wildest dreams. They leave behind a legacy of ingenuity and kindness.
Clayton Earl McMartin II, 59, and Melissa Marguerite Donovan McMartin of Roanoke, Texas, passed away on August 27th, 2023 near the Cape Yakataga, Alaska.
Clayton was born on February 18th, 1964 to Clayton and Norma McMartin in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
Melissa was born on June 3rd, 1965 to John Cobb Donovan and Gay Lynn Dunn Bullock in Odessa, Texas.
After meeting on one destined night at the Tumbleweed in Stillwater, the two fell in love and married in 1986, surrounded by their family in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
They went on to have three children, Bethany Danielle McMartin Rondeaux, Cutler Joseph McMartin and Brett McMartin Hicks.
They partnered together on many business endeavors and each carried a contagious entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged others to forge their own paths in life. They had no limit of knowledge that they were willing to share in hopes of helping others be just as successful.
Clayton and Melissa are predeceased by both of their own parents. They are survived by grandchildren Roake Clayton James Rondeau (affectionately known by them as RC), children and children in-law Bethany + Justin Rondeau, Cutler McMartin and and Brett + Jory Hicks, siblings and siblings in-law Dayton + Kelly McMartin, Jamie + James Horning, Patricia + Andrew Hustava, and Michael + Jo Anne Donovan and many nephews and nieces who were well-loved and always treated as their own children.
The McMartin Celebration of Life will be held at Sunago Bell in Denton, Texas on September 24th, 2023 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family would like handwritten notes of stories, funny anecdotes or good advice (and there was a lot of it) involving our parents.
The McMartin Memorial Mass will be held at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Flower Mound, Texas on September 25th, 2023 at 11:00am.
(alternatively, you can email photos or stories to mcmartinbrett@gmail.com)