San Antonio, Texas, July 26, 2025
News Summary
Mary Shannon McGowen and Ted Michael Martin, two dedicated individuals known for their community service and personal achievements, passed away recently. McGowen was a passionate advocate for the visually impaired and a committed Christian, while Martin was a Vietnam War veteran and successful entrepreneur in the insurance industry. Their contributions have profoundly impacted their communities in Texas and beyond. Both individuals inspired many through their dedication to education, service, and leadership. Memorial services are planned to honor their legacies and the impact they left behind.
San Antonio, Texas – Mary Shannon McGowen and Ted Michael Martin, two remarkable individuals who dedicated their lives to community service and personal achievements, passed away on July 19, 2025. Their contributions and legacies have left a significant impact on their respective communities in Texas and far beyond.
Mary Shannon McGowen was born on July 12, 1951, in Alton, Illinois, to Leonard and Betsy McGowen. She lived a life committed to serving individuals with visual impairments. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Elmira College in New York and a Master’s Degree in Blind Rehabilitation from Northern Illinois University, McGowen dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of the visually impaired in Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles, California. She retired from the Braille Institute in Los Angeles, where she worked as a Braille Transcriber, a role in which she found great joy transcribing children’s books into Braille for young readers.
In her spiritual life, McGowen was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and actively participated in Christian Alliance Churches throughout South Florida and Northridge, California. Preceded in death by her twin sister, Mary Susan McGowen, who died shortly after birth, she is survived by her siblings Betsy, Kelly, and Kevin, and a sister-in-law, Diane McGowen, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside service is scheduled for 10 am on August 9, 2025, at Upper Alton Cemetery in Alton, Illinois, and the family requests donations in her memory to Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, California.
Ted Michael Martin, born on January 8, 1949, in Corpus Christi, Texas, was one of twelve siblings raised in modest circumstances. His youth was marked by hard work, sharing anecdotes about picking cotton and working various jobs as a teenager. Martin enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War alongside friends, serving in active combat from 1968 to 1969. After returning home physically unscathed, he ultimately faced health issues due to Agent Orange exposure. He was honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of E-5 Specialist, having earned eight medals, including the Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following his military service, Martin had a successful career in retail sales, where he distinguished himself as the first General Manager of Josephs Men’s store locations. He married Elizabeth Luker in 1976 and continued to pursue his education, earning an associate degree from San Antonio College and a bachelor’s degree in business from Southwest Texas State University. He completed a master’s degree in Public Administration while working full-time, demonstrating an extraordinary work ethic.
In 1994, Martin founded Martin Insurance Group, LLP, becoming one of the first independent employee benefits brokerages in San Antonio. Over the years, he earned recognition for excellence in the insurance industry, receiving four professional insurance designations. His commitment extended beyond business, as he volunteered with various community organizations, including serving on the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Board and the Northside Chamber of Commerce. Survived by his wife Elizabeth, daughter Christine Loudermilk, son Taylor Martin, and six grandchildren, Martin’s death marks a significant loss for his community. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or VVA Chapter #366.
The lives of Mary Shannon McGowen and Ted Michael Martin remind us of the profound impact individuals can have on their communities through dedication, education, and service. Their legacies will continue to inspire those who knew them and beyond.
FAQs
Who was Mary Shannon McGowen?
Mary Shannon McGowen was a dedicated advocate for the visually impaired, serving as a Braille Transcriber with deep roots in Christian faith.
When and where was Mary Shannon McGowen born?
She was born on July 12, 1951, in Alton, Illinois.
What legacy did Mary Shannon McGowen leave behind?
Her contributions to blind rehabilitation and community service, along with her passion for transcribing children’s literature into Braille.
Who was Ted Michael Martin?
Ted Michael Martin was a Vietnam War veteran and a successful entrepreneur in the insurance industry, known for his extensive community involvement.
What awards did Ted Michael Martin receive?
He received several awards during his military service, including eight medals like the Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
What services are planned for both individuals?
Mary Shannon McGowen’s graveside service is scheduled for August 9, 2025, while specific memorial service details for Ted Michael Martin were not provided.
Key Features of Mary Shannon McGowen and Ted Michael Martin
| Name | Date of Birth | Date of Passing | Notable Achievements | Survived By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Shannon McGowen | July 12, 1951 | July 19, 2025 | Advocate for the visually impaired, Braille Transcriber | Siblings: Betsy, Kelly, Kevin |
| Ted Michael Martin | January 8, 1949 | July 19, 2025 | Vietnam War Veteran, Founder of Martin Insurance Group, community leader | Wife: Elizabeth Luker, Children: Christine, Taylor |
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Additional Resources
- Riverbender: Mary McGowen Obituary
- Wikipedia: Community Service
- Dignity Memorial: Ted Martin Obituary
- Google Search: Vietnam War Veterans
- Mission Parks: Paul Allen Obituary
- Google Scholar: Blind Rehabilitation
- Legacy: Roy Shamblen Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Insurance Industry
- Dignity Memorial: Mark Ayers Obituary
- Google News: Texas Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
