Martha Ann Stone Commander, 80, of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026.
Martha was born on March 7, 1946, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to J.M. Stone Jr. and Margaret Harvey. She spent much of her life in Dayton, where she made a lasting impact on her community through her dedication to education and her love for others.
In her younger years, Martha was a member of First Baptist Church in Dayton. She devoted her career to teaching in Dayton ISD, where she inspired generations of students as an English Language Arts teacher. She spent more than 20 years teaching 5th grade, leaving a meaningful legacy in the lives of countless children. She retired from Dayton ISD in 2004.
Martha had a creative spirit and found joy in painting and gardening. She loved cultivating beauty both in her artwork and in the world around her, and she cherished time spent with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.M. Stone Jr. and Margaret Harvey, and her beloved husband of 33 years, Larry Commander Sr.
She is survived by her son, Larry Commander Jr.; her daughter, Chrissy Backiel and husband Stan; and her cherished grandchildren, Cameron Stasney and Carson Stasney.
A graveside service for family will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton, Texas.
Martha will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, and the lasting difference she made in the lives of her students, family, and friends.