Richard Martin Obituary

Richard Mervin Martin age 87 passed away surrounded by his family on September 2, 2016 at Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa. Richard was born on June 19, 1929 at home in rural Russell, Iowa. Richard also graduated from Russell High School in 1949. Richard was the youngest of three children.

Richard married Winifred Eva Allen on June 28, 1953 in Monroe, Iowa. From this union three children were born Dennis, Colleen, and Barbara. He was saved and baptized at the Brushy Church and later in life attended services at Chariton Christian Union. He served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged. He went on to become an Automotive Body & Mechanical Technician working in various shops until he opened Martin's Auto Body located in Russell, Iowa. He continued running his own business until his health prevented him from doing so in 1973 at the age of 46. He grew up and spent most of his adult life in Lucas County, Iowa.

Richard enjoyed old cars, studying bible prophecy, and playing Skip-Bo with his family. His children have many fond memories with him growing up. Dennis remembers climbing Seven Falls with his father. Colleen remembers him taking time out of his busy schedule several days in a row to help her sand, paint, and shellac her art project until it was perfect. Barbara remembers as a teenager playing basketball with her father and that he was a great guard.

Richard was preceded in death by his Wife Winifred (Allen) Martin, his brother Merlin Martin, his wife Mildred Martin, his sister Juanita (Martin) Moore, her husband Paul Moore, father Richard A Martin, mother Alma (Printy) Martin, 3 unborn children, and son-in-law Jerry Wright.

Richard leaves behind to cherish his loving memory his son Dennis Martin, daughter-in-law Beverly (Griswold) Martin, their 4 children Michael, David, Matthew and Stephen Martin and 12 great grandchildren; his daughter Colleen (Martin) Gwinn, son-in-law Roger Gwinn, their 2 children Richard Gwinn and April (Gwinn) Brown and 5 great grandchildren; his daughter Barbara (Martin) Wright her children Amy Wright, Melissa (Wright) Connor and Jennifer (Wright) Kannenberg and 6 great grandchildren. Richard was very loving and dedicated to all of his family.