NicholasMartin
Fort Worth philanthropist Nicholas Martin has died.
Martin, 96, died peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 1, according to the Fort Worth Business Press.
Martin served as principal at Martin Land & Investments but was perhaps best known for his financial contributions to educational, health care, and nonprofit organizations, among others. Martin and his wife, Louella, have given major gifts to groups like Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center, Fort Worth Country Day, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, United Way of Tarrant County, and Texas Wesleyan University.
In 2019, the Martins celebrated the opening of the Nick and Lou Martin University Center at Texas Wesleyan after making the lead gift.
“Nick was a kind and generous friend. His invaluable impact on Texas Wesleyan University to support students in their pursuit of higher education will continue to transform lives for generations to come. For that, we will always be grateful," Texas Wesleyan president Fred Slabach said in a statement. "Our hearts are heavy after learning of his passing. He will be deeply missed.”
Nick Martin grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, later serving as a sergeant with the 94th Division of the U.S. Army during World War II. After coming to Texas and marrying Louella, a Fort Worth native, in 1977, the couple has since been actively involved in the community.
Along with Texas Wesleyan's Nick and Lou Martin University Center, their names grace multiple other buildings in Fort Worth, including the Nicholas & Louella Martin Branch of the Boys & Girls Club, the Lou and Nick Martin Campus Center at Fort Worth Country Day, and the Nicholas and Louella Martin Tower at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center.