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Byron Faust
I was shocked and saddened by the news that Don had passed. It was only a couple of weeks before he passed, that Debbie and I had Brunch with you (Kathy) and Don in New Orleans. It was great to share travel stories and catch up on things both old and new. Don looked like he was fit as a fiddle. He seemed to be really enjoying his retirement. Don, was one of the founding Fathers of the SIF (Serious Injury and Fatality) prevention process. Only the good Lord knows how many lives and life altering injuries he helped his clients prevent. He was my personal SIF mentor, and I owe all I know about SIF prevention to him. Don had a special talent for enjoying life, but at the same time standing up for what was right whether he was working with Sr. Leaders at a client Company or Sr. Leaders inside of our consulting company. His ability to connect with the audience by telling great stories to illustrate his message, gave him remarkable credibility and influence. But most of all, I will miss his passion and zest for life. My condolences go out to Kathy, and the rest of his family.
Steve & Liz Josephs
Don, you will truly be missed by all your friends on Amelia Island. I remember the last several rides we did together, would love to have one more morning to share with you.
Bruce L Lenzer
My sincere condolences to the Martin family. I fondly remember Don from our days at Bishop Lynch. Don tried to recruit me to run with the cross country team. I remember for a time running with Don and had a hard time keeping up! He was a great classmate. Had I lived closer to Lynch I would have joined the cross country team. I do remember Don had a calming spirit. I may try to make the memorial if it coincides with travel to Dallas to be with family at Christmas. I send my sincere sympathies to the family. Bruce Lenzer, Class of 74
Adam Pappas
Cheryl Richardson
Ken Wilson
I will miss and remember Don while cycling around Amelia Island with the NFBC bike gang.
Jan
My condolences to Don’s family and friends. He will be missed.
Carol & Steven Lavin
Dear Kathy and family, we are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. It was a shock to us and to many people in our neighborhood. We picture Don biking through the neighborhood. He always had a smile on his face! I know there were times that our Gertie would sneak across the street when she’d see him out. They say that dogs can tell if a person is truly good or not. Gertie (& Gracie) were always happy to see him and to be the recipients of his belly rubs. Please know that we are here if there’s anything we can do. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Greg Padfield
Donald "Don" Kirk Martin
2025-11-23
Much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, Donald “Don” Kirk Martin of Fernandina Beach, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the age of 69. He will be remembered for the unwavering love and support of his family, his kind and humble nature, and the honesty and integrity upon which he lived every day.
He and his wife, Kathy were married in 2016 and together they filled their life with laughter, travel, and family adventures. Don was the proud father of Donald Kraig (Pikeville, NC) and Seth Allen Dennis (Bryan, TX).
Don was born on August 19, 1956 in San Angelo, TX to Donald Karl and Jacqueline Mae Martin (née Vaillancourt). He grew up in Mesquite, TX and graduated from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, TX in 1974. After graduating from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX and from the University of Texas in Austin, with a Masters of Public Health, Don embarked on a distinguished career in safety and risk management that spanned 4 decades and culminated with a focus on Serious Injury and Fatality Prevention. His tireless pursuit of protecting workers has saved countless lives.
Don was an accomplished athlete starting as a competitive and successful cross-country runner (Sam Houston State University Track & Field) to later being an avid cyclist. He was an active member of the North Florida Bike Club and could be seen many mornings cycling around Amelia Island. He was a lover of all things sports and a lifelong fan of the Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys.
Don had a lifelong curiosity for knowledge and was a captivating storyteller. He was a lover of the finer things in life especially music, red wine, and bourbon. He was a lifelong collector of all things Snoopy.
Don will be greatly missed and forever remembered for his positive outlook, his calming spirit and his extraordinary ability to lift those around him. To his family and friends, he was both an anchor and light, someone who gave everything of himself and asked for nothing in return. His remarkable life will forever be an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege to know Don.
Don is survived by his loving wife Kathy (née Culig); his sons, Donald (Sarah), Seth; and his mother Jacqueline Mae. Forever cherished and remembered by his two grandchildren, Charlotte and Johnny. Siblings and their families; Cheryl (Michael) Carathers, Jim Martin, Diana Koop and Linda (John) Denton. His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews. He will be forever cherished by the Culig family; Olga, Bob Jr., Kayli (Malcom) Hartman, Isla, and Annie and Danny (Krissy), Riley, and Parker.
Don was predeceased by his father Donald Karl Martin and father-in-law Robert Culig.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our neighbor Nancy who was there for us on the night of his passing. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the Fernandina Beach EMT, Firefighters, and Police for doing everything they could. And lastly, thank you to everyone at Oxley-Heard for their thoughtfulness and compassion during this difficult time.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held in Southlake, TX in December. Further details will be shared soon.
Donations may be made in Don’s memory to a cause or charity of your choice.
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