He was born in Hayden to Charles Edward Martin and Mary Jordan Martin. He was married on October 20, 1946 in St. Charles to Pershing Parker Kolb who survives at the home. Other survivors include two daughters, Deborah K. Martin and Sheila L. Martin, both of Jefferson City; one step-son, Gary D. Kolb, San Antonio, Texas; three step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great grandchildren; and two brothers, Herschel Martin, Dixon; and Keith Martin, Gravois Mills. He retired in 1980 as a heavy equipment mechanic with the Department of the Army at Fort Leonard Wood where he had been employed for twenty-four years. He attended Kenner Church of God, Hayden, and First Church of God, Jefferson City. He was a member of Dixon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post; Roscoe Enloe American Legion Post No. 5, Jefferson Ctiy; and in 2001 received the State of Missouri World War II Veteran Award for Patriotic Service. Memorials are suggested to the Kenner Community Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund; or a charity of the donor's choice. From 1942 to 1945 he served in World War II with the 152nd Engineers in the Central Pacific, Western Pacific, and Ryukyus Campaigns. He was decorated with three bronze stars.