FINES MARTIN
June 3, 1934 - May 20, 2022
Fines F. Martin of Houston, Texas, was called to heaven on May 20, 2022. He was born June 3, 1934, in Marlow, Oklahoma, son of Arlene and Fines C. Martin. Fines was an only child and grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, with his mother and stepfather, Tommy Campbell. On November 26, 1961, Fines married Margaret Anne Doland in Hindsville, Arkansas.
Fines graduated from Rice Institute in 1957 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career with Shell Oil Company. He and his coworkers were pioneers in the early days of floating drilling. He was proud to be the on-site drilling engineer for the Blue Water 1, the first floating drilling platform. In 1977, Fines joined The Superior Oil Company. At Superior, much of his work centered on improving drilling operations and safety and setting up a central data center to improve decision making. In 1987, he retired from Mobil Oil, which had acquired Superior in 1984. Fines treasured the many friends he made throughout his career. He was a founding member of the Active Retired Executives, better known as ARE, which helped a closeknit group continue life-long friendships.
Fines enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting and fishing with friends, his sons, and son-in-law. In his later years, the focus turned toward fishing and he enjoyed trips out west with the men in his family both young and old. For Fines, these outings were about camaraderie and making life-long memories in special places like Vermejo Park Ranch in New Mexico, which was his favorite destination.
Fines loved the beauty of nature and mornings in his garden, where he spent time in prayer, reflecting upon the full and adventurous life he had led and the legacy he would leave behind. He and Anne loved to gather the whole family for quality time together. Recent get togethers included vacations to the Florida panhandle, Rockets games, holidays, and the November 2021 celebration of Fines and Anne’s 60th anniversary.
One of the most caring and generous individuals to grace this world, Fines most enjoyed helping people he knew or knew of. He would request that his family bring to his attention anyone that he and Anne could assist. He was a fabulous role model for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.
Fines was preceded in death by his mother, father, and stepfather. In addition to his beloved wife Anne, he is survived by his children Laura (Andy) Dobson, Jeff (Gaylynn) Martin, and Tim (Malia Hubbard) Martin. He will forever be remembered as the most loving Pop by his grandchildren Kelley (Tom) Cappucci, Chris (Hadie), Courtney and Jon Dobson; Wade Martin; Scarlett Martin; and Zane O’Brien. His great-grandson Benjamin Cappucci will help to carry on his legacy for many years to come. He also leaves behind sister-in-law Carolyn Durand, nephews John and Mike Durand, and their families, whom he cared for deeply.
On May 24, 2022, family gathered to lay Fines to rest next to his mother in the mausoleum at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble, Texas. Memorial donations may be directed to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Galveston, a charity of your choice, or preferably to someone you know who needs a helping hand.