Jonathan Walter Martin

Jonathan Walter Martin, 43, passed away suddenly on Saturday August 20, 2022. Jonathan was born on September 5, 1978 in Thousand Oaks, California to Jim Walter and Ann Persing Martin. He graduated from Westlake High School in 1996 and from Baylor University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s in Studio Art. On October 8, 2005, he married Sara Elizabeth King of Houston, Texas. After a brief period of living in Southen California, Jonathan and Sara returned to Waco, where he was a teacher at Waco High, A.J. Moore and University High School. In 2008, Jonathan and Sara opened Black Oak Art in Waco, Texas, a ceramic pottery studio that has become both a local art icon and home to Waco creatives and aspiring artists. Jonathan was known for his creative perspective, and he loved to work with clients to create a pottery that represented their brand and vision. His handmade mug, which started Black Oak, was sold first to Common Grounds and is now a sought-after piece for many businesses—near and far. In 2017, Jonathan and Sara opened Gather, a local boutique that features Black Oak products and entertaining products. Jonathan held a deep faith in Christ and was known to others as a kind, generous friend. He served as a camp counselor annually with Antioch’s Kids Camp and alongside his sons with The Boys Scouts of America. Jonathan is proceeded in death by his grandparents, Velda Marie Chumley Martin, Walter Barry Martin, Herbert Elmer Persing, and Alline Elizabeth Weaver Persing. Jonathan is survived by Sara, his wife of 16 years, son, Jack Martin, daughter, Claire Martin, and son, Carter Martin. He is also survived by his parents, Jim and Ann Martin; sister Lori Lynn Martin Morrisey; nieces Sarah Ann Morrisey, Abigail Morrisey, and Allison Morrisey; sister-in-law Stephanie Torres and her husband, Christian; nieces Madeleine Burchill and her husband Isaac, Natalie Torres, and Courtney Torres; brother-in-law Jeff King and his wife, Becky; and nephews, Zane King and Austin King. Pallbearers are Scott Mellon, John Snider, David Guel, James Walker, Christian Torres, Josh Carter, Keith Reich, Jeff King, and Steve Runyon. The family would like to thank Antioch Community Church, Harris Creek Baptist Church, Magnolia, and the Black Oak and Gather family community for the countless prayers, love, and support. A memorial service will be held Thursday August 25th at 1 o’clock at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. A private family graveside will precede the service. Memorials can be made to Antioch Ministries International, Bible Project, and Jesus Said Love.