A memorial service for John Emmet Martin, 98, of Springfield, MO will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 16 2023, at Springfield Sunset Church of Christ. Visitation will be held on Wednesday Nov. 15 from 5-7 pm, at Greenlawn South.
John joined his Heavenly Father Nov. 12, in Springfield. He was born on September 8, 1925, at the Sand Springs dairy farm in Oklahoma. He lost both of his parents by the age of 11, which called for a move to Ozark County, MO to live with his Aunt Mazy. Despite this tragedy, John felt fortunate to have a loving family and he adapted well to his new surroundings. He enjoyed the great outdoors and working on the farm. He often reminisced about “feeling the warm, soft earth between his toes” while working behind the plow. Growing up near the Norfork River canoeing, fishing, hunting and riding a pony to his one room schoolhouse proved to be a great adventure for this young boy.
He soon met the love of his life and “the best-looking girl around”, Rosa Lee Bess at the age of 14. He joined the war effort at 17 in 1942 and asked her to wait for his return. They married August 16, 1945, two days after the Japanese surrendered. They were married 72 years, always putting each other first.
He proudly served 3 years in the Navy in the South Pacific aboard the USS Fremont, as RM2C where he was involved in 5 arenas; Saipan, Palau, Leyte, Luzon, and Iwo Jima.
Upon return, he and Rosa Lee began their “4 year honeymoon” on the farm before moving to Springfield, MO where he started his own business, Kearney Auto Supply.
Together they had four children; David Martin, Dana Hannah and husband Darrell, Nicki Davis and husband Joe, Jeff Martin and wife Lesley. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.
John enjoying spending time with his family at the lake, fishing and working for the church. The Bible was the foundation and most important aspect of their lives, providing strength, encouragement and lifelong friends. John served as an elder at South National and East Sunshine Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fair Haven Children’s Home. (fairhavenchildrenshome.com)