Thomas Lawrence Martens, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri and Temple, Texas, passed away suddenly on February 5, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Devoted husband of 46 years to Camille (nee Falk) Martens. Dear father of daughters Lisa (Dan) Cressey and Diane (Terry) Heitman. Loving grandfather of Amy (Andrew) Baird, Cassie (Michael) Fox, and Danny (Shelley) Cressey. Doting great-grandfather of Tyler, Achilles (Ace), Haven and Millie Baird, and Michael Jerry (MJ) Fox. Dear brother of Linus Eugene (Gene) Martens, S.J., and sisters, Lois Martens, SSND, and Patricia (Martens) Balke, PhD. Preceded in death by his parents and by brother, John G. Martens (Carol, dec.) and sister, Mary Elizabeth (Martens) Schmittgens (Gene, dec.). Dear brother-in-law of Nan (Falk) Knight and Alfred B. Knight, M.D. Dear uncle, cousin and friend.
Tom was born on June 4, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri, to John and Mary Martens. He married Camille on November 25, 1978 and they resided in St. Louis until relocating to Temple, Texas in 2003.
Tom attended Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis where he was introduced to basic bookkeeping. After graduation, he became a truck driver, worked in banks, and attended night classes at St. Louis University to become an accountant. He became certified and worked for several public accounting firms as a CPA, then as a revenue agent with the Internal Revenue Service.
In 1980 he established his own CPA firm and soon Camille joined him. Several years later, John G. Martens, Jr., a nephew and fellow CPA, became his partner. Those were wonderful years for all of them, with many employees and clients becoming lifelong friends.
Later in his career, Tom left the practice and took a position as Chief Financial Officer for MOCAP, Inc., a client and fledgling manufacturing company at that time. He thoroughly enjoyed the experiences of those ground-breaking years, and treasured the relationships established, as the company grew and expanded internationally. He retired in 1998.
Tom was devoted to his lifelong Catholic faith and to helping others. After retirement, he volunteered his time to prepare returns during tax seasons, and he donated many hours at Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Louis. After moving to Temple, he was a devoted driver and cook for “Meals on Wheels” and a frequent volunteer for “Churches Touching Lives for Christ”, a faith-based outreach center serving the homeless and those affected by food insecurity.
Despite all other involvements, Tom was focused on family. He dearly loved his immediate family and considered his large, extended family (and all the in-laws) among his many blessings. Tom knew no stranger, and throughout his years he enjoyed a network of friends and associates from all walks of life, who he cherished and celebrated.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church, 6741 S. Rock Hill Road, Affton, Missouri, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. and interment at Resurrection Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Churches Touching Lives for Christ, 702 W. Avenue G, Temple, TX 76504, www.ctlcministries.org; New Hope Cares, 3921 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010; Hands That Serve, P. O. Box 220172, St. Louis, MO 63122, or a charity of your choice.
I’m so sorry to hear of his loss through my good friend Lisa Creasy. May his love and memories live on your heart and not be forgotten and may peace be with you as you morn of his passing. Sending Prayers of healing for your family at this time.
My deepest condolences to all the family ,Tom was a nicest most honest person that I have ever met I will miss him so much
Tom lived up the street from us on Claypool many years ago, he was my dad’s best friend , my condolences go out to Lisa and Diane and the rest of the Martins family
Condolences Camille and family! Tom and I worked together and traveled to Europe together through the 90s. He was my mentor and friend.
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I knew Tom when I worked for MOCAP’s European office in the 90’s. I was delighted when he reconnected on Facebook just a year or so back. One of the nicest people you could hope to meet and a true gentleman. RIP, Tom
Tom was a true gentle person. He was kind, honest, and a super friend.
My condolences to Camille and the rest of the family
Just found out on the 23rd. Tom was a true gentleman and a very caring compassionate person. I remember many Saturday’s and Sundays on my Dad’s back porch where Tom my Father, Bob Jung and Pat Smith solved the problems of the world while keeping an entire shift at Anheuser-Busch working overtime.
He prepared my taxes and gave sage advise on financial and tax matters until he fully retired. I’m am certain Dad was there to greet him with a cold 6 pack of Budweiser when he arrived in heaven.
Condolences to Marge., Lisa, Diane and Camille. Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom was a great man, husband , father and friend.
My condolences to Camille,Diane,Lisa and Marge. I just found out about Tom on the 23rd.
Remembering Mr Martens in my prayers and at the altar
Trusting he’s found rest ‘where the light of God’s face shines
His family and loved ones are especially in my prayers these days