Jerry Martin

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Jerry Wayne Martin, age 84, passed away on Friday January 14, 2022 at his home following a brief battle with cancer.

Jerry was born in 1937 in Galena, Kansas. As a young man, he traveled to the West Coast and worked for McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach, California as an aircraft maintenance mechanic. He then moved his family back to southeast Kansas and worked several years at BF Goodrich in Miami, Oklahoma, where he made a number of lifelong friends. 

In the mid-1980’s, Jerry founded Martin Heating & Air and became acquainted with numerous area families throughout decades of business.

Jerry had many skills, including the ability to fix nearly anything. However, his favorite pastime was fishing. He was happiest when he was on the water with a fishing pole in his hand, catching more than enough to serve at his famous neighborhood fish fries.

Jerry’s parents were Gilbert Orville Martin and Lillie Fern Nadine (Wood) Garcia, who preceded him in death, along with his siblings: Bill Martin, Dixie Johnston, Jim Martin, and Earlene Absher. Jerry’s survivors include: two sons, Jerry W. Martin, Jr. (wife, Carla) and Michael Martin of Joplin, Missouri, one daughter, Tracy Howard, of Galena, Kansas, two brothers, Winston Earl Crum of Nevada and Sonny Martin of Oregon, a sister, DonLa Morgin of California, four grandchildren, Tabor Martin, Kimarie Lamberson, Ryan Howard, and Amie Howard, and three great-grandchildren, Jay Lamberson, Ryker Lamberson, and Arwen Lamberson. Also surviving is Mary Hood, Jerry’s longtime friend and companion, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and Daisy Gavin, the mother of his children. Jerry’s family also wishes to acknowledge his countless loyal friends and wonderful neighbors on Watermelon Lane.

Jerry’s body was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena for cremation. The family plans to schedule a memorial service at a later date.