Martin was born on 3/20/98 in Irving, Texas. He was a delight from the instant that he was born, smiling with big dimples. As an infant, he loved watching Teletubies and The Wiggles. He would jump and spin around in his activity chair, usually with food on his face and always smiling when watching these TV programs. Walking was an adventure, as he loved pushing his toys up and down the hallways at breakneck speed. He never met another child that he didn't want to play with. He would ask complete strangers "Want to play?". He had an immediate attraction for dogs, loving Gidget and Floyd who were his pals. His brother named him "Backy Boo" as he could not pronounce Martin. His mother has still referred to him in recent years as "Backy Boo" which made him feel loved. We remodeled many of our houses, and Martin would be the first on the scene in the mornings dressed up as a "Workerman" with his tool belt and equipment to assist. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Dallas, where rich friendships developed that exist to this day. He played all sports at St. Thomas, doing well in all endeavors. He attended several schools to complete high school thereafter. He continued to play sports and was surrounded by a great group of friends. By this time, his devilish sense of humor became evident. As in infancy, he continued to have a deep love of dogs, including Auggie (the Beast and Couch Master 360), Rosie (Rose Nation), Otto, Copper, Sasha, Sassy, Effie, Daffie, and BuddyLove, most being rescue dogs. He would get down on his knees, kiss them, and talk to them, and we think they understood him. Martin loved food and clothing. He also had a very expensive taste, preferring meals at elegant restaurants, though he did not have a penny. He was absent-minded to the nth degree, repeatedly losing clothing and his driver's license, leaving the doors open or unlocked and misplacing things. His parents became used to his habits, anticipating these small mistakes with a grin (most of the time). Martin loved going to Angel Fire, New Mexico to shoot his BB gun and drive the golf cart with his brother, friends and family. He also loved the beach and traveling. Martin made people laugh. He could tell a story, and he had many funny stories to tell regarding his experiences. He was constantly sending funny videos to his family and friends. He was extraordinarily loyal to his friends, had many best friends, and an enormous social network. Martin loved people, and he was loved by many. Martin briefly attended Texas Tech University, but school was not for him at that time. He held multiple jobs and was to start a new job last week. He was hoping to get a bulldog as a pet soon. He had aspirations of having a family one day, in particular as he adored children. Martin Heitzman passed away on 11/3/2021 at the age of 23 years. He is survived by his parents, Judie and Daragh and his brother Max, and two dogs (BuddyLove and Daffie). Their grief is profound, missing their "Backy Boo". There are no words to express the sorrow regarding his passing. He is survived by a large extended family including his grandmother's - Frances Jackson and Nuala Heitzman. His deceased grandfathers were Martin Heitzman and John Jackson. He has many uncles and aunts: Jennie Turnage (Gary), Joanie Jackson, Jackie Hawn (Scott), Johnny Jackson (Kelly), Mary Sterling (Scott), and Gael Morkel. He also has many cousins: Brendon Sterling, Kimmie Sterling, Caroline Morkel, Catherine Morkel, Stephen Morkel, Kaki Plass, Brandon Ethridge, Hollie Horne, Haley Jackson, Trent Cameron, and Jackson Cameron. His godfather was Matt Fennell and godmother Jennie Turnage. He has many other aunts and uncles, including his Uncle Don who doted on him. Martin is at peace now with God, his grandfathers, and our dogs. However, he will always be an important and forever part of his family's lives. We love you, Martin. Funeral Services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 6306 Kenwood Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75214 on Monday 11/22/21 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ALS Association of Texas alstexas.org or Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) neals.org