Martin was born January 24, 1941, in Galveston, Texas to Richard and Elvera Kelly. He was the second child of five.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. There's a lot that can be said about Martin Kelly. Martin was a great man, great husband, great father, great captain and a great resource of infinite knowledge. Martin's known for riding that iconic green bicycle up and down the Seawall day in and day out for years. He rode that bike to and from work every day—from 11th to Pelican Island—not because he had to but because he loved it. He loved painting. He loved camping and hiking as we have many childhood memories of those camping trips. He used to chase us around and steal one of our shoes. He was the "Shoe Monster" when we were kids. And we loved it. He was a true hero to David, his disabled son who he devoted his life to. When Marty got out of the Navy, in which he was a radio operator aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during Vietnam, he married our mother, Frances. He worked for many years at the Galveston party boats as a deep-sea captain on the Jean Lafitte. To most people those days he was known as Midnight Marty. Always arriving two hours late with a boat full of fish. Later in life he retired as a marine electrician at G + H Towing on Pelican Island, where he worked for decades. If it couldn't be fixed, you called Marty. He also spent many years volunteering at the Elissa tall ship, helping out in many different ways. He spent countless hours with his grandchildren who he loved dearly. He had a huge impact in many peoples' lives. He will be truly missed, but never forgotten.

Martin is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Elvera Kelly.

He is survived by his stepsons; Homer Sullivan (Tina), Scott Sullivan (Renee), Jason Sullivan Sr. (Sandra). Grandchildren; Jessica Purl (Ethan), Ashley Sullivan (Ryan Gunter), Destiny Auzston (Fiancé Taylor Weller), Jason Sullivan Jr., David Sullivan, Brayden Sullivan. Step-Grandchildren; Jessica Sauceda, Aj Sauceda, and Skyler Moore. Great Grandchildren; Lukas Murray, Krason Moya, Kye Purl, Cole Purl, Roman Gunter. Brothers; Richard (Dick) Kelly, Dennis Kelly (Trini) Sisters; Cathy Neer (Roy), Jean Kelly. Sisters-in-Law; Barbara Alexander (Kevin). And many nieces and nephews.

The family has several charities in mind to memorialize their family through and would ask that anyone desiring to make a memorial donation to please send the donation to Carnes Brothers Funeral Home 1201 Tremont Galveston, Texas 77550 and they will disperse the funds to the appropriate charities.