Martin Dale Surman, of League City, Texas, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family in Webster, Texas, on October 29, 2025, at the age of 65.

Marty, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on August 12, 1960, in Texas City, Texas, to Daniel and Margaret Surman, Sr.  He was the fourth born of seven children; one of five boys and two girls.

Together with his siblings, Marty enjoyed a lively and full childhood. Eager entrepreneurs, they started a small lawn mowing business, later an egg business, and then eventually a residential and commercial contractor cleaning business. They also played for the League City Honkies softball team, and were active members of the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization). Their days were filled with sandlot football games, church dances, bazaars, and picnics, as well as countless weekends spent in the Hill Country with family.

Marty and his brothers and sisters shared an unshakable bond – one built on laughter, teamwork, and love that will never be broken.

After high school, Marty began his career with GTE Phone Company – later Verizon – where he retired after 35 years of loyal service.  Not one to sit still for long, he soon joined his brothers and sister at Bob’s Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical, where he spent another decade lending a helping hand and sharing plenty of laughs before officially being “put out to pasture” in April 2024.

Marty lived life with a full heart and a joyful spirit. He was passionate about his Catholic faith and was proud to be a Fourth Degree Knight of The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic Fraternal Organization. He loved canning and gardening, and he could often be found outside tending to his plants or participating in BBQ cookoffs at the American Legion Hall. An avid softball player and bowler, he traveled with the Knights of Columbus teams and also enjoyed a good game of darts or shuffleboard. Music was always a part of his life – he loved singing karaoke and, in his younger years, even had a side hustle as a DJ, bringing energy and laughter wherever he went.

Marty never met a stranger. He was known as a prankster and jokester, always quick with a grin, a witty remark, or a good prank. He found joy in helping others and gave his time generously, especially through church bazaars and his infamous corn booth. Above all, Marty adored his children and treated every child he met as if they were his own. His optimism, kindness, and easygoing nature left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

On July 11, 1992, Marty married the love of his life, Cay Milligan Surman. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, faith, and devotion. They shared three beautiful daughters and ten beloved grandchildren who were the light of Marty’s life.

Throughout their 34 years together, Marty and Cay shared countless adventures and simple joys – reading side by side, canning together in the kitchen, bird watching in the backyard, singing karaoke, camping under the stars, playing softball and bowling while traveling to new places hand in hand. Their love was a partnership grounded in friendship, faith, and fun, and it remained steadfast through every season of life.

Although his time with family and friends ended too soon, Marty’s life was never short on love, laughter, and fun.  His infectious laugh could light up any room and his love and generosity could melt any heart.

Marty was escorted to heaven by his parents, Daniel and Margaret Surman, Sr., as well as a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He leaves behind a tremendous amount of family and friends who will forever hold him in their heart; his wife, Cay Surman; his daughters, Nena Krause, Tara Booth, husband Cody, Cacee Sexton, husband Steve; his grandchildren, Peyton Mendenhall,Tyler Hickman, Skylar Hickman, Baylee Drucker, Braeden Drucker, Haylyn Booth, Shaylee Booth, Roland Booth, Cayleigh Sexton, Michael Sexton; his parents-in-law Pat & Marlene Milligan; his siblings, Everett Surman, wife Nancy, Arlyn Surman, Daniel Surman, Jr., wife Laura, Robert Surman, wife Debra, Margaret Fournet, husband Brent, and Patricia Mikeska, husband Virgil, Char Wiginton,  Chuck Milligan; along with countless nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marty will always be remembered as the free-spirited, loving, and amazing husband, son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, and friend that he was.

Pallbearers include Ray Dixon, James Johnson, Ken Stringer, Steve Resnick, Mark Surman, Ray Surman, Quentin Novosad, and Stephen Novosad. Honorary pallbearers include Rick Nelson and Leon John Langhammer.

A Visitation and Rosary service will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church – Annunciation Hall – 1612 E Walker Street, League City, Texas 77573 with the Rosary Service starting at 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church – Annunciation Hall – 1612 E Walker Street, League City, Texas 77573.  The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 AM with internment to follow at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery – 7801 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson, Texas 77539.

The family will receive family and friends for a reception following the services at American Legion Hall – S. Mike Lacy Post 554 – 1650 Highway 3 South, League City, Texas 77573 at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Legion Hall – S. Mike Lacy Post 554 to support their building expansion project – “Hybrid Smoking Project.” Donations can be made to the American Legion Hall – S. Mike Lacy Post 554 in Marty’s name by Cash, Check, or Venmo (alegion554@yahoo.com).