Former Lubbock Mayor Tom Martin Passes Away After Short Illness

Former Lubbock Mayor Tom Martin passed away Tuesday evening (March 27, 2018) at University Medical Center in Lubbock. Martin was being treated at UMC over the past week for an undisclosed illness.

The 69-year-old Martin served two terms as Lubbock's mayor from 2008-2012. He also served one term on the Lubbock City Council from 2002-06. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2006 against David Miller, but then defeated Miller in a re-match for mayor in 2008. Martin's public service in Lubbock ended in 2012 when he was defeated by Glen Robertson in the race for mayor.

According to former Lubbock City Councilman Paul R. Beane, Martin was born in New York state. He graduated from Lubbock High School in 1966. Martin earned a BA in Journalism from Texas Tech in 1970 and a Masters of Public Administration from Texas Tech in 1977.

Martin served as Lubbock's Public Information Officer in 1970-1974, starting his position with the city weeks before the fateful May 11, 1970 Lubbock Tornado. Later in his career after serving as a Lubbock Police Officer he became the Chief of Police in San Marcos in 1990, and then in Grapevine in 1992.

According to a previously published City of Lubbock biography, Tom Martin married his wife, Karen, in 1969. She is a retired registered nurse and elementary school teacher. They are members of Cumberland Presbyterian Church where Tom served as an Elder and Chair of the finance committee.

Martin is survived by his wife Karen, one brother and one sister. Arrangements are pending.

The City of Lubbock issued two statements concerning the passing of Tom Martin:

STATEMENT FROM THE CITY OF LUBBOCK

The City of Lubbock mourns the loss of former Mayor Tom Martin. We are grateful for his years of service to our city and his important and lasting contributions to the betterment of our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DAN POPE

Lubbock lost a great man today. Tom Martin was a true public servant. He not only served us well as Mayor, but did so after retiring from a distinguished career in law enforcement.

His legacy is great, but he will particularly be remembered for two important efforts - his work to secure Lubbock's water future and his foresight to initiate the Gateway Streets program which resulted in the expansion of Milwaukee Avenue, Slide Road and other streets. His leadership help paved the way for the growth Lubbock enjoys today.

Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Karen and the Martin family.