Frederick "Rick" L. Martin

Frederick "Rick" L. Martin passed away peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of his family. Though his passing came sooner than expected, he lived a remarkable life defined by faith, family, vision, and an unwavering appreciation for quality and craftsmanship.

Rick was born in San Francisco, California to Colonel Morris and Annalee Martin. He attended Baylor University, where he played varsity basketball. During college, he quietly eloped with the love of his life, Frances Elaine Pierson. What began as a youthful adventure grew into a beautiful marriage that spanned 69 years—a partnership filled with love, laughter, travel, and unwavering devotion.

After graduating, Rick's passion for fashion and quality brought him to New York, where he began his career with Hathaway Shirt Company. He later became Vice-president of Gant, helping shape one of America's iconic apparel brands. An entrepreneur at heart, Rick eventually founded his own private-label apparel company, designing for premier retailers and specialty stores across the country.

His eye for timeless style and uncompromising quality eventually led him to recognize an opportunity in the private golf club market. He founded Fairway & Greene in 1994, which quickly became one of the most respected and sought-after names in golf apparel. In 2004, Rick had the honor of designing the uniforms for the United States Ryder Cup Team for Captain Hal Sutton - a proud milestone that reflected both his talent and reputation within the industry.

Rick and Elaine raised their three children in Connecticut, where they built a home filled with love, encouragement, and countless memories. After selling Fairway & Greene in 2004, they returned to Texas, where they spent the next chapter of their lives close to family and friends.

Never one to sit still, Rick and Elaine also built a beautiful log cabin on Hayden Lake, Idaho, where they escaped the Texas summers. There they spent many treasured days golfing, boating aboard their custom-built Stan Craft wooden boat, and enjoying the beauty of the lake they loved so much. Rick admired exceptional craftsmanship in everything—from fine clothing and classic wooden boats to the relationships he built throughout his life.

Together, Rick and Elaine traveled the world, embracing new cultures and adventures well into their later years. Their shared curiosity and love of life took them to countless destinations, creating memories they cherished together. Rick’s love of golf was reflected in the various memberships he held at some of the most prestigious golf clubs around the world.

Rick had an extraordinary presence. His warmth, generosity, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcome. He loved deeply, laughed often, and lived fully. He was the kind of man people remembered long after meeting him.

Above all else, Rick was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Elaine; his three children, Teri Fontaine (Todd), Traci Provost (Jeff), and Todd Martin (Jennifer); six grandchildren, Brett, Hailey, Alex, Trevor, Carly, and Lindsey; and three cherished great-grandchildren, Thayer, Callum, and Gus, who brought him immeasurable joy in recent years, and his younger brother, Phil Martin.

Rick's Christian faith was the foundation of his life. He faced death with peace, confidence, and without fear, knowing where his journey would lead. While his family wishes they had more time together, they take comfort in the legacy he leaves behind and in love that will continue to bind them together.

A celebration of Rick's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2026, in the Faith Chapel at Prestonwood Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Rick by embracing the people you love, pursuing excellence in all you do, and living each day with faith, generosity, and gratitude—just as he did.