Official Obituary of Kenneth “Butch” Howard Martin May 25, 1940 ~ February 27, 2024 (age 83)

A memorial service for Kenneth Howard “Butch” Martin, 83, of Portales, will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Central Christian Church, 1528 S Main Ave. with Pastor Don Thomas officiating.

Kenneth “Butch” Martin was born on May 25, 1940, in Clovis, New Mexico to the home of Katie Lorene (Bell) and Floyd Howard Martin, and died on February 27, 2024, in Portales.  He graduated from Clovis High School in 1958 where he was offered multiple scholarships for football, but joined the Army instead, where he served for three years as a tank mechanic at Ft. Benning.  He met the love of his life, Carol (Bell) Martin and were married on March 8, 1963.  Butch and Carol raised two children, Janice (Martin) Hardin and Larry Martin in Portales, New Mexico.  After being discharged from the Army, he worked with his father, Floyd Martin, as a mechanic with Ford that later transitioned to Case in Portales.  He then moved to work as a mechanic for John Deere in Portales.  Butch’s final place of work before retirement was for Plain’s Ford New Holland in Clovis.  He worked as a mechanic, salesman, and manager for over 60 years.  After retirement, Butch worked as a delivery driver for Big Valley in Portales.

Kenneth “Butch” had never met a stranger and had many tales about his travels for work.  His stories were legendary and his fishing skills were just as amazing.  As for his water skills, two skis, one ski, or no skis didn’t matter, he could outdo some of the best.  Don’t even get us started on his daredevil ways with his motorcycle.  Butch lived to serve his family and not one member was ever left without knowing the love he had for all of them.

Kenneth “Butch” Martin is survived by his daughter, Janice Hardin & husband Richard of Portales; his son, Larry Martin of Portales; five granddaughters, Codie LeDezma & husband Daniel of Lubbock, Ashleigh Hardin Church of Portales, Leslee Brown & husband Brandon of Portales, Brittany Hardin & significant other Matthew Cordova of Portales, and Shelby Shields & husband Tyler of Friona; eleven great grandchildren, and one great great grandson.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd & Katie Martin, his sister, Janet Pierce, and his wife, Carol Elaine Martin, who passed away on September 12, 2023.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth “Butch” Howard Martin, please visit our floral store.