Robert Donald "Don" Martell

Robert Donald “Don” Martell, 82, of Biltmore Lake, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends.

Born on July 1, 1943, in Orange, Texas, Don was the son of the late Joseph Robert Martell and Mary Emily Reily Martell. He grew up in Texas and maintained a lifelong connection to the state and its traditions. He was a graduate of Texas A&M University and remained a devoted Aggie throughout his life, proudly supporting the university and serving as a member of both the Texas A&M University Alumni Association and the 12th Man Foundation.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Don remained in College Station where, in 1968, he founded Marcal, a general contracting business that later grew into a successful real estate development company. During a period of rapid growth at Texas A&M, he built numerous apartment complexes that supported the expanding student population and helped shape the surrounding community. In 1985, in recognition of the quality and impact of his development work, Don was named an honorary member of the Texas Society of Architects, a branch of the American Institute of Architects.

Don was deeply involved in civic and community life in the Bryan/College Station area. He served as a director of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, a director of the First National Bank of Bryan, and a member of the City of College Station Parks Commission, contributing his time and leadership to the growth and well-being of the community.

In 1987, Don relocated to Asheville, North Carolina, where he continued his work in real estate development and became actively involved in the community. He served on Asheville’s Downtown Development Committee, with a particular focus on the revitalization of Haywood Street. Don was known for being personally involved in the work, often taking a hands-on role in restoring neglected downtown buildings. Through his efforts, he influenced and directly contributed to the restoration and revitalization of numerous historic downtown properties, helping transform downtown Asheville into the vibrant and thriving community it is today.

Above all, Don valued his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and remained deeply invested in their lives. Those who knew him will remember his strong presence, his convictions, his stories, and his loyalty to the people and communities he cared about.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Littlejohn Martell; daughter, Rachael Martell Karns (Peter), and their sons, Henry and Christopher; son, Ryan Martell (Harmony), and their children, Corvus and Aurora Elizabeth; sister, Barbara Jean Hayes; and brothers, Charles Ronald Martell (Mary) and Joseph Randall Martell (Marilyn).

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Groce Funeral Home is assisting the family.