Kenneth (Ken) Franklin Martin

Kenneth (Ken) Franklin Martin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, coach, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Angleton, Texas, on August 15, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved.

Ken was born on April 21, 1951, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to John and Dorothy Martin. His life took him across continents and through many different chapters, but wherever he went, he made an impact on the people around him.

Ken was a gifted athlete and educator who dedicated much of his life to tennis and teaching. As a USTA tennis professional and coach, he shared his love and knowledge of the game with countless students and players. He also served as a professor and educator at San Jacinto College and Brazosport College, where his passion for teaching extended well beyond the tennis court. He had a natural ability to teach, encourage, challenge, and connect with people, and those who learned from him carried a part of his influence with them.

But to his family, Ken was so much more than a coach and educator. He was a father, grandfather, and friend who knew how to make ordinary moments memorable.

Ken loved spending time with his grandchildren and was always finding ways to make them laugh. One of his favorite traditions was sneaking up on them, jumping out, and yelling, “Boo! Gotcha!” His grandchildren may never have been completely safe from one of his surprises, but those moments of laughter and mischief will become some of the memories they treasure most.

Ken also loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to play chess. He was a patient teacher—but he certainly wasn't going to let anyone win just because they were family. He played to win and showed no mercy on the chessboard. Those games were about more than chess; they were opportunities to teach, challenge, laugh, and spend time together.

He loved getting outside and kicking a soccer ball around with his grandchildren, and he especially enjoyed playing tennis with his son, Franklin. For Ken, these weren't simply games. They were opportunities to connect with the people he loved and create memories that would last long after the game was over.

Ken also enjoyed his Friday nights playing dominoes, along with his poker games and time with the Snowman Poker League. He loved the competition, but even more than that, he loved the fellowship, laughter, and friendships that came with gathering around a table.

Ken was a member of Trinity Christian Center / Triumph Church and valued the community and relationships he found through his faith and friendships.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Martin, and his children: Rachel Ainsworth (Robert), Franklin Martin (Candice), Angela Tobin (Ryan), and Theresa Allen. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, who were among the greatest joys of his life.

He is also survived by his siblings, Elizabeth Elliot, Francis Aronson, John Martin (Michelle), Sarah Rhoda (Russell), Isella Aronson, Gwendolin Eachells (Deon), Deborah Dodgen (Donavin), and Evonne Brown (Vernon). To his sisters and brother, he was affectionately known as “Kenny.” He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were blessed to share in his life.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Martin; his sister, Joan Rae; and his daughter, Jennifer Olivier.

Ken will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for tennis and education, his competitive spirit, his love of chess, poker and dominoes, and most of all, the time he gave to the people he loved. He taught generations of family members how to play, how to compete, how to laugh, and how to enjoy the moment.

His family will remember the sound of his laughter, the challenge of trying to beat him at chess, the surprise of hearing “Boo! Gotcha!”, kicking a soccer ball around outside, Friday nights playing dominoes, and the special times he shared on the tennis court with his son.

Ken's greatest legacy is not found in the titles he held or the games he won, but in the people he loved and the lives he touched. The lessons he taught, the stories he shared, the laughter he brought, and the memories he created will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, students, and friends.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 11 AM at Northway Baptist Church, Angleton Tx. All are welcome.

Though he is no longer with us, Ken's love will remain a part of his family forever.

He will be deeply loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.