Leo Martin Jr. Obituary

Leo R. "Dick" Martin Jr., 79, of Eldon, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

He was born Nov. 17, 1945, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of the late Leo Richard Martin Sr. and Ruth Evelyn (Thews).

On May 18, 1986, in Rocky Mount, Missouri, he was united in marriage with Mary (Alpers) Martin who survives of the home.

Dick graduated from Keokuk High School in 1964 where he was a quarterback for the football team and held the pole vault record from many years, and became a member of the K Club. He became a part of the Keokuk Aquanauts. Dick also became a trick skier and for 2-3 years skied in Cypress Gardens, Florida, and then eventually went onto be a member of the Lake Ozark Ski Team (L.O.S.T.).

Dick served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1969 aboard the USS Harry E. Hubbard (DD748) where he was a Boatswain's Mate Second Class. He was awarded the bronze star and medals for his Vietnam service.

He was a lifelong member of the Keokuk Calvary Baptist Church and actively involved in the Eldon First Christian Church for more than 30 years. Dick worked alongside his father and brother while operating Martin Sheet Metal which later became Martin Heating and Cooling where he retired as owner/operator.

He was very athletic, playing on many softball teams including the Eldon VFW league; and bowling teams that he also sponsored. He was a member of the Eldon Country Club where he played golf, and although he never played well, he greatly enjoyed watching his granddaughter excel.

In 2017, Dick enjoyed the opportunity to take the Honor Flight with the Central Missouri Honor Flight out of Columbia, Missouri. He loved to travel on road trips where he visited most of the United States. His greatest love was spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include two children, Michelle Martin of Apache Junction, Arizona, and Christie Martin (Alan) of Jefferson City, Missouri; two stepchildren, Brian Rogers (Wyndee) of Lebanon, Missouri, and Jenna McTeer (Matthew) of Jefferson City, Missouri; grandchildren: Kelsey King of Mesa, Arizona, Ashley Smalley (Jacob) of Barnett, Missouri, Abbi Petet of Jefferson City, Sarah Petet of Columbia, Missouri, Grace Petet of Greensboro, North Carolina, Linzee Rogers of Eldon, Missouri; Megan Twehus of Jefferson City, and Brooks McTeer of Jefferson City; great-Grandchildren: Nichole Ramos of Mesa, Arizona, Caroline Stratman of Jefferson City, MaryGrace Smalley of Barnett, Missouri, and AnnaRae Smalley of Barnett: siblings, Rose Miller (Ed) of Troutman, North Carolina, and Jim Martin (Sandy) of Rocky Mount, Missouri.

Along with his parents, a sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Ron Hutcherson, great-grandson, Everett Smalley, uncle Carl Bryant, and uncle Ray Martin (Helen) preceded him in death.

Visitation was held Thursday, Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Christian Church of Eldon, Missouri, with the funeral service beginning at noon with the Rev. Bill Foglesong officiating.

Burial with full military honors were set for Friday, Jan. 10 at noon at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk.

Memorials in his name are suggested to the First Christian Church of Eldon, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, Missouri.