Judd Martin

Judd Martin
Judd was the son of Tammy Edwards and Greg Martin. As a young boy, he was known to be gentle and kind, always willing to help out his momma in any way around the house. He could always be found outside, riding bikes and going on adventures with his brothers and cousins, often with a dog following right along…OR pestering his big sister by putting worms down her shirt. They were all very close in age and a super tight knit group when they were young.
Judd attended grade school in Delhi, Louisiana, and was a class of 1999 graduate of Downsville High School in Downsville, Louisiana. He was well known on the base- _____ _____ _____ _______ _______ on up throughout his high school years where he is remembered for often throwing strikes from the pitcher’s mound or hitting multiple home runs out of the park.
As much as he loved playing ball with his two brothers, his greatest passion was being in the woods, where his dad instilled an appreciation for the outdoors and taught him how to hunt. From an early age Judd would dedicate all of his spare time to exploring the swamps of northern Louisiana, developing genuine instincts and an incredible understanding of the woods and the animals that inhabited them; skills which would end up serving him well as an adult.
Not long after high school, Judd made the move to Sonora, Texas, to use those talents working for Dean and Louise Dermody as a deer breeder and hunting guide on the Davis/Dermody Ranch. He and his dad and brothers had made the trip to Texas and hunted there numerous times in his youth and he was happy to return, soon growing to love and understand the Texas hill country landscape and wildlife just as much as the Louisiana woods. It was there in the small town of Sonora that Judd met the love of his life, Kellie Downing. They were married on October 10, 2009, in Delhi, Louisiana, but later returned to Sonora to build their life together. On ____________________________ ry they were blessed with a daughter, Navey, in 2014 and then a son, Hank, in 2016. It was around that same time that Judd had the opportunity to start his own guiding business, Martin Hollow ______________________________ couple of years of getting the business up and running, Judd and Kellie decided to move to Mason, Texas, in 2018 to raise the kids and make it their home.
Although oftentimes stressful, Judd never took for granted that he was able to continue his dream job and share his love and passion for the outdoors and hunting with others. His growing list of clients, hunters, and friends from all over the country, many of which returned year after year, is a testament not only to him being an exceptionally skilled hunter and guide, but also to his ability to connect with others and provide them with lasting memories and experiences of a lifetime.
He was so grateful for each and every one who gave him that opportunity and Martin _____________________________ be a lasting legacy that he leaves behind.
When not chasing a big ol’ axis buck or listening for a turkey gobble, Judd greatly enjoyed just being at home with Kellie and the kids.
He worked hard to provide them with an amazing life; willing to tackle Kellie’s ever growing list of various home projects and remodels…with only the occasional deep sigh of reluctance. Judd made it a priority to spend as much time at home as possible. He never hesitated to step into the kitchen to cook supper or wash dishes and share the home responsibilities with Kellie. He was a very ________ _______ _________ ___ and picking up the kids from school, almost daily if able, and attending every birthday party, performance, talent show, and sporting event that he could. Spring and summer ____________________________ with adventure, taking the family to various locations to hike, explore, and experience God’s beautiful creation together. Judd not only had a connection to wildlife, but also with any pet he ever owned. Whether a cat or dog, they naturally just gravitated towards him. There were too many to list, but his most recent was a deaf boxer named Booger, whom he fed Cheerios to nightly in bed.
Judd was laid back, easy going, and made friends quickly. He loved to laugh and share jokes with others and had the ability to make you feel totally at ease and comfortable with him after ______________________________ His strong Louisiana drawl was often commented on and kindly remembered by new friends in Texas, even if that meant he wasn’t always easy to understand. Throughout his short time here on earth he touched many lives and because he believed that Jesus was his Lord and Savior, he will forever be looking down on all from above. He will be greatly missed and it is the family’s hope that every time you see an axis buck standing tall or hear a turkey gobble in the distance that you will remember him.
Judd is preceded in death by grandparents James and Betty Martin, Ray and Betty Evans, and older brother Stan Martin.
He is survived by wife Kellie, daughter Navey, and son Hank; his mother Tammy Edwards and stepfather Tommy Edwards; father Greg Martin; sister Erin Smith and husband Brad; brother Wade Martin and wife Ashley; sister- in-law Amanda Martin; father and mother in-law John and Robin Downing, sister in-law Vicki Vesa and husband Dan, brother inlaw J.T. Downing and wife Morgan; nieces Anna Kate Martin, Conley Gabb, Carson and Landry Smith; nephews Cayden Martin, Hunter Linder, Trigger and Mason Martin, Sammy, Jensen, and Xander Downing; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family is truly humbled and grateful for the overwhelming show of support and prayers given by friends, relatives, and community. We appreciate each and every one of you for the tremendous kindness you have shown.
Visitation with the family was held on Saturday, December 06 from 10:00-12:00 at Mason Funeral Home. Funeral service were Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at River of Life Church in Mason with interment to follow at Gooch Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at masonfuneralhome. net Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home.
