Notice regarding Coronavirus...Read More

Our Family Serving Your Family For More Than 40 Years

972.241.9100

Plan Ahead

Thomas Martin

July 15, 1956 –
 August 14, 2022

Obituary

Thomas E “Tom” Martin, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 14,2022 at his home in Richardson, TX. He was 66. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Tom’s memory on Saturday, September 10, at noon in the main sanctuary of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ, Dallas TX, where Tom and his husband, Rev. Dr. Gary G. Kindley, were members.

Tom was born July 15, 1956, the youngest of two sons born to Jerrel Ishmul Martin and Clara Belle (Williams) Martin in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He graduated Northside High School in Fort Smith and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR.

After college, Tom worked for Douglas Walker & Co. CPAs in Fort Smith before moving to Dallas to work for CLR/FAST-TAX in Carrollton TX for 16 years. He worked at ProAmerica in Richardson with several of his relatives before moving to San Antonio in 1998 where he worked at Business Partner Solutions (later Savoir Technology). He moved back to Dallas and volunteered at his church, Cathedral of Hope, where he was then hired full-time in the accounting department and was later promoted to Senior Accountant. Tom saw 5 senior pastors during his tenure.

In November of 2014, Tom suffered a major stroke which led to months of hospitalization and rehabilitation therapy. It impaired his ability to smile, use his left hand or arm and initially affected his ability to walk. When he officially retired in January of 2016, Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, Senior Pastor, presented him the Star of Service award at a Congregational Town Hall Meeting.

During his years at of Cathedral of Hope, Tom was also a member of the Legacy Group, Cathedral Couples, and the Bell Wall Society. He participated in various social and service projects supporting iCare, the Blessing Bag ministry, Adopt-A-Family and Cathedral Youth Ministry. One of his last and best smiling photos was taken at the Pride Prom 2014 where he and Gary were adult sponsors.

Tom enjoyed painting, playing bridge, and especially traveling and exploring new restaurants with Gary. One week before his death, he was delighted to hold their first grandchild, Daphne Kindley, a daughter born to Gary’s oldest son David and David’s wife, Daniela.

Tom is survived by his husband of ten years, Rev. Dr. Gary G. Kindley; a brother, Jerry Martin and wife Mary of Allen TX; niece, Stephanie Martin Griffith and husband Chris of Allen TX; nephew, Brian Martin and wife Stephanie Morrow of Allen TX; niece, Maggie Martin Cargile and husband Ross serving abroad with the U.S. Army. He is also survived by nine great-nieces and nephews: Ashlyn Griffith, Avery Griffith, Hudson Martin, Payton Martin, Cayson Martin, Abbie Cargile and Sophia Cargile. His sister-in-law, Judy Kindley Pacatte of Fort Worth TX; step-sons David Kindley and wife Daniela of Corpus Christi TX, and John Kindley of Woodland Park, CO; step-granddaughter Daphne Kindley; cousins Allen Meeler, Roger Meeler, Amy Martin, Billy Cheek and Danny Cheek, all of Arkansas; Becky Maynard of Brownwood, TX; and his beloved dog Benson.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Jerrel Martin (age 70) and Clara “Mimi” Martin (who lived to almost 104 years of age); grandparents, William Earl Martin and Eula Mae (Ramer) Martin, and John Thomas Williams and Sarah Ann (Wilson) Williams. Uncles Lock Williams, Cyril Meeler, Sgt. Harold Dean Martin (killed in WWII), and Whit May; aunts Pauline Meeler and Irene May; cousins Janet Meeler, Wanda Cheek Brown, Rita Garrison and Ricky Martin; and his loving dog Christie.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Tom’s memory on Saturday, September 10, at Noon in the main sanctuary of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ, Dallas TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ and designated for the “Martin-Kindley Endowment Fund.” The fund will work to alleviate food and housing insecurity, address suicide and addiction, and assist LGBTQ+ youth and adults who often disproportionately experience such hardship. The mailing and physical address of the church is 5910 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas TX 75235.

Following the memorial service, Tom’s cremains will be interred in the church columbarium in a private ceremony. All present are invited to enjoy a lunchtime reception in Fellowship Hall adjacent to the sanctuary.

    Judy Kindley Pacatte
    13 Oct 2022
    10:42am

    I pray for comfort and peace as those who knew and loved Tom remember happy times spent with him. Blessing to my sweet brother as he mourns the loss of his soul mate.

    Gary Kindley
    13 Oct 2022
    10:42am

    Thank you my sweet sister!

    Jes Montgomery
    13 Oct 2022
    10:42am

    Holding all those who love Tom in prayer and warmth.

    DAVID A HELFER
    13 Oct 2022
    10:42am

    Gary my friend…my heart goes out to you and your family. May you all find comfort as you remember the wonderful times and love you all had with and for Tom.

    Gary Kindley
    13 Oct 2022
    10:42am

    Thank you Dr. Jes. So grateful.

    Gary Kindley
    13 Oct 2022
    10:42am

    Thanks Dave. It was very good to visit with you by phone. My love to you both.

Leave A Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Testimonials

Liza B.Dallas, TX
Read More
"I highly recommend this funeral home and crematorium; when I had to make and pay for my brother’s arrangements across state lines, Evelyn Montonya, in particular, demonstrated both compassion and professionalism and made a very sad and difficult situation much easier. Many thanks."
Gloria M.Dallas, TX
Read More
"The unexpected passing of my husband was a very difficult and trying time for my boys and I. I had the good fortune of having Abel walk us thru this process. Working with him was such a weight off my shoulders. He was professional, so polite and helpful. The service was beautiful – never did I feel rushed or like just another customer. They gave me the time I needed and I appreciate that so much! Also Mr. Brooks took special care of my husband as he is a fellow mason. I would highly recommend working with Abel and North Dallas Funeral Home."
Lance G.Dallas, TX
Read More
"Everyone at North Dallas Funeral Home was very professional, kind, and caring, in all steps of the process from the first phone call to the service held at their location. They help to make the process as easy and comforting in my opinion as to be expected, I would recommend their service to anyone. Thank You to everyone who helped me and my family. Sincerely,"
Jason H.Dallas, TX
Read More
"As soon as the call was made to Mr. Wayne Baxter all of my brothers final needs were taken care of. They walked me through what to expect the timeline and even dealt with the cemetery and the grave diggers. I was a hot mess due to my brothers sudden and unexpected passing. The experience was seamless and made it easy for my brother’s friends and family to say their last goodbyes. They even had the size to accommodate such a large group that showed up . The package deals that they offered were cost-effective and didn’t break my bank account. They included extras and accommodations that other funeral homes charged extra for. All the staff was amazing including Mr. Don Dodd . I can not thank them enough for all their help."
The Gillilands
The Gillilands[click to read more]
Read More
Dear John,

It was such a nice pleasure to meet you, and what you had planned for my father just took my breath away. It was so special to hear you tell us how he would just come over to talk with you. I think it brought him much comfort. Tha you for putting that Air Force article of him on your website. I am going to have a replica made of the painting of his plane to give you.

Thank you again for all you have done to honor our dad.

Love, The Gillilands

Previous
Next

Get In Touch

Location

Immediate Attention

Contact Us

North Dallas Funeral Home

Search Obituaries

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Important Information

    • When a Death has occurred please call us to make arrangements and to have one of our care team members assist you and your family immediately.

Toll-free: 1-800-300-1655
Local: 972-241-9100

    1. Click here to Download the Cremation Forms
    1. Have the cremation authorization form notarized
    1. Fax the forms back to us at:
      972-406-1480

Additional Information

Founder's Message

Dallas Funeral Planning