Rothe Gus Martin of Hondo, passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019. He was 88.

Born Oct. 20, 1931, in Pearsall, he was the son of Charles Ernest Martin, Sr., and Elsie Rothe Martin.

Rothe attended Texas A&I and graduated from Texas State Teachers college in 1953. He was stationed at Moses Lake, WA, while in the Army Veterinary Corps. There he met and married Mary Turner.  They were married 43 busy years, raising their two daughers and ranching. Rothe took stewardhip of the family ranch seriously and was always interested in learning more about the land and animals. He often brought home animals —snakes, tarrantulas, baby goats, etc.— for his daughters. He was also interested in rocks and arrowheads.

A Master Mason since 1972, he enjoyed many years of being involved, serving as Master and Secretary of the lodge. He was also a lifetime member of the York Scottish Rite and Alzafar Shrine in San Antonio. One of his most treasured possessions was the Golden Trowel Award, given to a Mason for exceptional service and dedication, the highest award presented by a lodge.

After his wife's passing, he and the late Shirley Foster became special friends, traveling and ranching together until she moved to Oregon to live with her son and his wife.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ethel Turner Martin; brother, Charles Ernest Martin, Jr.; and son-in-law, Jack Schott.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kathryn "Kay" Schott of Katy and Nancy (Howard) Elton of Wichita KS; grandchildren, Charles Schott, Thomas Schott, Laura Schott, and Joshua Elton; sister-in-law, Dale Martin of Austin; and niece, Jill Seibert of Austin.

Visitation from 4 to 5 p.m. will be Saturday, Dec. 28, at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 29, at New Fountain United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Memorials may be made to Hondo Masonic Lodge #756, 2607 Ave. Q, Hondo TX 78861, or New Fountain United Methodist Church, 2980 FM 2676, Hondo TX 78861.