Paul J. Martin, 76, of Owensboro, was surrounded by his family as he went to be with the Lord on November 11, 2025, while under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. Paul was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on February 2, 1949, to the late Mary Wethington Martin and Joseph Martin.
He was a 1967 graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School, where he was recognized as an All-City athlete in 1965 and 1966 and named All-State Quarterback in 1966. Paul went on to play football at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1971. A proud Wildcat, he founded and served as the first president of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association in Owensboro. During his time at UK, Paul was a member of the football team that defeated Archie Manning’s Ole Miss Rebels in one of the program’s most memorable victories. In that game, Paul intercepted a pass from Archie Manning in the end zone that would have won the game for Ole Miss, which sealed a 10–9 victory for Kentucky. He later officiated in the Southeastern Conference as a football referee for ten years.
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