Ralph Martell Mayhew, reunited with his wife Nettie and daughter Jo Ann on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Martell was born on May 6, 1922 in Etta, Mississippi to the late Joseph A. and Jessie Moody Mayhew.
Martell proudly served during WWII in the Army Corp of Engineers, serving in the Pacific theatre building airstrips for Allied forces. He was an old-school cowboy giving advice to young cowboys. As Martell's children were growing up their friends loved to be around him and Nettie at different functions at their house. He was affectionately known by his great grandchildren as "Cowboy Paw Paw".

Martell is survived by his loving family. Children Lauren Smith (George) of College Station, Richie Mayhew (Nancy) of Bay City; niece Linda Kucera; grandchildren, Brett Bevers, Amy Curbello (Ryan); Great-Grandchildren Briahna Yuodsnukis, Bailey Schelp, Nicole Schelp, Ava Curbello,; brother Dallas Moody of Phoenix, Az., and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Nettie and daughter Jo Ann.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Vergil Ichtertz officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Special thanks to caregivers Leisa Presley and Bambi Cheek. Serving as pallbearers are Tony Kucera, Sr., Tony Kucera, Jr., Gayle Holton, Harold Holton, Henry Schelp and Bailey Schelp. Honorary pallbearers are Craig Kucera, Steve Holton, Ralph Thompson and Rocky Lewis. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Houston Hospice or VFW Post 2438.