Martin Edward Maier

Martin Edward Maier of Friendswood, TX died surrounded by his family on February 26, 2024 at the age of 68. Martin was born in Longview, Texas to Chris and Lillian Maier. Martin, or “Tex” as he was known to many, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1977 before serving in the US Air Force. He met and married the love of his life, Valerie, while stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Together, they built a family and a life of love, laughter and adventure. After a long career in the Air Force, he retired as a Major and later went on to work for NASA at Johnson Space Center until his retirement in 2023. He was a good friend to many and enjoyed his time spent talking with them both live and virtually. As an avid gardener, he tended to his garden with pride, as he and his wife transformed a dirt lot into a beautiful, blooming paradise. He was a lifelong baseball fan and enjoyed watching and attending Houston Astros games – even witnessing firsthand the 9th inning walk-off home run in Game 6 of the ALCS in 2019. He loved music, playing his guitar for decades and singing in choral groups throughout his life. His faith in Jesus Christ is reflected in his favorite hymn, “It is Well With My Soul.” Most of all, he relished the time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie, daughters Heather (Michael) and Leslie (Elijah), sons Derek (Taylor) and Kyle (Erica), and his grandchildren Chris, Caleb, Irene, David, Lawrence, and Lucas, and brother Chris W. Maier. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis, and his sister Lynne Stout.

A Celebration of his Life will take place at Trinity Fellowship Church on March 2, 2024. He will be interred later at the US Air Force Academy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.