Leo R. "Dick" Martin, Jr.

Leo R. “Dick” Martin, Jr., 79 of Eldon, Missouri passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024 at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.  He was born November 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 to Mary (Alpers) Martin who survives of the home.

Other survivors include,

Two Children, Michelle Martin of Apache Junction, AZ; Christie Martin (Alan) of Jefferson City, MO

Two Step-Children, Brian Rogers (Wyndee) of Lebanon, MO; Jenna McTeer (Matthew) of Jefferson City, MO

Grandchildren, Kelsey King of Mesa, AZ; Ashley Smalley (Jacob) of Barnett, MO; Abbi Petet of Jefferson City, MO; Sarah Petet of Columbia, MO; Grace Petet of Greensboro, NC; Linzee Rogers of Eldon, MO; Megan Twehus of Jefferson City, MO; Brooks McTeer of Jefferson City, MO

Great-Grandchildren, Nichole Ramos of Mesa, AZ; Caroline Stratman of Jefferson City, MO; MaryGrace Smalley of Barnett, MO; AnnaRae Smalley of Barnett, MO

Siblings, Rose Miller (Ed) of Troutman, NC; Jim Martin (Sandy) of Rocky Mount, MO

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.

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, FL and then eventually went onto be a member of the Lake Ozark Ski Team (L.O.S.T.).  Dick served in the United States Navy from 1966-1969 aboard the USS Harry E. Hubbard (DD748) where he was a 2nd Class Boatswains mate.  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 at the Eldon First Christian Church for more than thirty 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, 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, MO.  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.  

Visitation will be Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the First Christian Church of Eldon, MO with the Funeral Service beginning at 12:00 PM with Rev. Bill Foglesong officiating.  Burial with Full Military Honors will be Friday, January 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA. 

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

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

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