Martin Stevens

Martin Lynn Stevens, 38, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2009, after a brief, but valiant, battle with cancer.

Martin was born on April 16, 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri. Though he lived in Texas for many years, he always remained a Midwesterner at heart, especially in his loyalty to any Missouri-area sports team and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Martin honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps from June 1989 until July 2001. On a recent family vacation to San Diego, he proudly pointed out familiar sites where he completed his basic training. Semper Fi, Martin.

Martin was an avid reader, sports fan and played a mean game of Scrabble.

At the time Martin was diagnosed with his illness, he worked for Academy Sports Outdoors in Temple. He thoroughly enjoyed his job and the many friendships he built during his five-year tenure there. The friendships he developed with his colleagues was never more evident than during his illness when they supported him by visiting often while he was hospitalized and the benefits they hosted to support his young family.

Most of all, Martin was a loving father and husband a tall man with a big heart. He was a hands-on father changing diapers, making lunches and dropping off the girls to schooldaycare Martin wasnt above any task. Though his hairstyling skills with the girls sometimes left something to be desired, he embraced the challenge. His legacy is embodied in his two wonderful daughters.

Martin is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Cordell, and his two girls, Elizabeth, 9, and Madelyn, 5. He is also survived by his mother, Linda Pittinger, and his three sisters, Pamela Swartz, her husband Aaron and children Jordan, Ian and Dominique; Lori Zimmerman and her husband Herschel and their children Taylor and Derrick; and Donna Hudson and her children Dylan and Nicole. In addition, Martin leaves his Texas family of Cordells; his mother-in-law, Diane Cordell, of Austin, Texas, his sister-in-law Suzanne Goldsmith, her husband Brian and their two children, Peyton and Mitchell of Frisco, Texas and his sisters-in-law Christine Cordell and Jackie Golden of Houston, Texas. He will be deeply missed.

Martins family expresses their deepest appreciation for the efforts of the employees and customers of Academy who supported Martin during his illness and heartfelt thanks to the healthcare and hospice staff at Scott White Hospital. Special thanks are extended to Martins co-worker Jennifer Marshall who conceived and spearheaded two successful fund-drives in support of Martins family. At Kathys request, honoring Martin as pallbearers will be Martins co-workers at Academy Sports Outdoors.

Friends may visit from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at the Harper-Talasek Funeral Home, 500 West Barton Avenue, Temple, Texas 76501. A memorial service will also be held to celebrate Martins remarkable life on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. and a reception will follow from noon until 3 p.m. at the Harper-Talasek Family Center, located across from the funeral home.
PFor those desiring, the family has set up the Elizabeth and Madelyn Education Fund for Martins children at the Austin Area Teachers Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 14867, Austin, Texas 78761, Donation Account No. 219435. If you prefer, memorials may also be directed to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative at A h

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
68pm

Service

Chapel Service

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
11:00am

Memorial Contributions

Austin Area Teachers Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 14867
Austin,, TX  78761