Paul Douglas Martin, 72, passed away Tuesday December 9th, 2025, in Genoa, Colorado.

Paul was born on February 5, 1953, to Floyd and Maybelle (Hendricks) Martin. All his life he had lived in Genoa, Colorado, on the family’s farm, where he made his living and raised his family.

Paul was a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Genoa, where he was baptized and confirmed. He was an active member of the church. He served as treasurer and led numerous projects.

Paul attended school in Genoa and graduated in 1971. After graduation, he went to Northeastern Junior College, where he met his three best friends. They continued their close relationship, with many adventures and tales to share.

Paul was a steward of the land, on the family’s farm. His passion was agriculture, where he raised cattle, horses and cultivated dryland crops. He was a member of the Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association, serving various offices, including president. Paul was also a member of the Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Association, R-Calf and spent time serving on the Lincoln County Land Use Board.

Paul loved to hunt with his family and friends.  He appreciated God’s creation by living in its majesty. Paul had a wealth of hobbies, including leatherwork, shooting, horse training, and working with border collies. He was a gifted horseman and had a natural connection with animals. He always had a fine horse and a fine dog.

Paul met the love of his life in January 1985, Mardelle Johnson. On their first date, to the National Western Stock Show, they knew they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. They were married on October 5, 1985, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Greeley, Colorado. Paul and Mardelle just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. To this union three children were born: Joel, Lena and Carl.

Together, Paul and Mardelle built a life of commitment, raising three children, living a life of love, loyalty and devotion to each other. He was a humble servant of the Lord, and his work as a husband, a father and a grandfather showed that. Most recently, Paul enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren at birthday parties, youth rodeos, and days on the farm with Grandpa. The three greatest joys in Paul’s life had been his wife, his children and his grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his wife, Mardelle; his children, Joel (Jessica) Martin of Crook, Colorado, Lena (Jordan) Benavidez of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Carl Martin of Genoa, Colorado; three grandchildren- Clayton Martin, Callum and Hazel Benavidez; brother, Harvey (Lisa) Martin of Flagler, Colorado. Paul will also be remembered by his extended family, dear friends and neighbors, whose lives he touched by his generosity, his thoughtfulness, his kindness and his quiet presence.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Maybelle; younger brother, Stanley Martin; and many relatives and friends.

Paul’s visitation will be Wednesday, December 17th at 9:30 at Zion Lutheran Church in Flagler, Colorado. A memorial service will follow at Zion Lutheran Church in Flagler at 11:00 on December 17th, after the memorial, interment will be at Genoa Lutheran Cemetery, followed by a reception at the American Legion hall in Genoa, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The First National Bank of Hugo-Limon, in care of the Paul D. Martin Memorial Fund.