Martin Phelan

Martin John Phelan, 80, passed peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020, at home in Seguin, Texas. “Marty” was born on November 24, 1940 in Elmira, NY, to Martin H. and Marguerite M. Phelan. He grew up in the small town of Horseheads, NY, where, at 10 years old, he met his sweetheart, Gail, who was then just 7, when her family moved in across the street.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gail J. Phelan of Seguin, TX; sister, Marge Erion-Johnson (Kermit) of Sturgis, SD; children, Tamara Ann Golden of Elmira Heights, NY, and Martin James Phelan (Gena) of Seguin, TX, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Martin H. and Marguerite M. Phelan, his eldest daughter, Deborah J. Phelan, and his brother, Leland Phelan.

After graduation from Horseheads High School in 1959, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and married Gail in 1961 after her graduation.  He ultimately retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant in 1979 after serving in Key West, FL, Vietnam, Twentynine Palms, CA, Norfolk, VA, Quantico, VA, Okinawa, Japan, and Site R, the Backup Pentagon hidden inside a Maryland mountain.

He chose law enforcement as his 2nd career and retired in 2004 as Assistant Police Chief with the Alamo Heights Police Department (TX) after commanding their Criminal Investigations Division.  He was professionally proud of his graduation from the FBI National Academy in 1991 and earning a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management.

He was a devout Christian and attended McQueeney Baptist Church in McQueeney, TX. He was also an endowed member of Guadalupe Lodge #109, AF&AM, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Funeral services for my Dad, Martin John Phelan, have been set for 2pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the McQueeney Baptist Church in McQueeney, Texas (near New Braunfels).

Unfortunately, the church is small and, due to COVID restrictions, is limited to a total of 70 people. There will be delegations from the US Marine Corps, Guadalupe Masonic Lodge, and the VFW. His urn will be there for the service. Anyone wishing to share memories are welcome to do so. No meal will be provided because of distancing restrictions.