GARRETT CHANCE MARTIN

1999-2016

We lost our beautiful, charismatic, free-spirited son and brother early Wednesday morning. Garrett was our second child, who was loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally. We cherished all his wonderful and special traits, just as many of you did. He was intelligent, funny, caring, outgoing and loving, just to name a few. In recent years, however, Garrett’s battles with addiction resulted in emotional scarring and depression. We fought bravely alongside him, never losing sight of the ultimate prize – a happy, fulfilling and successful life.

Garrett found solace with his comrades this past year. We thank the many staff, parents and teenagers at Teen and Family Services and Sundown Ranch who provided their love, support and fellowship. They saw the best in Garrett and sincerely wanted to see him succeed in life.

We recently came across a very inspiring obituary, written by parents who also lost a son. It read…. “To all children, this note is a simple reminder that there are people who love you, with everything they have and no matter what you do - don’t be too afraid/ashamed/scared, too anything, to ask for help. To all parents, pay attention to your children and the world that revolves around them - even when the surface is calm, the water may be turbulent just beneath.” Garrett’s inner struggles have ended, and he is now at peace with God. We will miss his commanding presence, infectious smile, sense of humor and loving hugs. We long for the day we get to see you again, our arms open wide and our hearts full of joy.

Goodbye, Garrett. We love you and miss you dearly!

Garrett is survived by his loving parents, Chad and Tracie Martin, older brother, Gavin Martin, maternal grandparents, Steven and Margaret Dalto, and paternal grandparents, Eric and Deanna Avery and Robert Martin, as well as several loving aunts, uncles and precious cousins.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a memorial service at three o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77027, where Dr. Thomas Pace is to officiate. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of customary remembrance, gifts in Garrett’s memory may be directed to Teen and Family Services, 9337 Katy Freeway, PMB 314, Houston, Texas 77024.