Leroy Martin, age 73, Joplin, passed away at 11:07 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2020 at his home after an illness.
Leroy was born September 22, 1946 in Carthage, Missouri to the late Clifford Martin and Jacqueline Parker Martin.
Leroy was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving for over twenty years. He served in the 82nd Airborne, parachuting into Vietnam. Upon return he worked his way up to E8 during his career and was Mess Sergeant, winning several awards for the best mess hall at Fort Bragg. He was an aid to several top Generals over the years and was entrusted with putting together their events and holiday dinners to even include baking and decorating cakes and carving ice sculptures. After retirement, his love for baking and cooking, as well as jumping out of planes continued throughout his life.
After the Army Leroy worked several years at Schrieber Foods. He also worked for Cloud Meats off and on since 1960. Working for Cloud Meats was another one of his passions, Leroy considered the Cloud family and all of the employees’ part of his own family.
Leroy was a people person and had a heart of gold. He enjoyed visiting and helping everyone he could, even if it meant sacrificing time for himself. He enjoyed helping his grandchildren with projects, was an avid gardener in his spare time and visiting county fairs and antique markets. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He married Beverly Goodnight Martin on December 31, 1968 in Carthage. During Beverly’s ten year battle with cancer, Leroy devoted his life to being her caretaker. She preceded him in death on May 17, 2017.
Leroy was also preceded in death by siblings, Joyce Butcher, David Martin and Kathy Maggard.
Survivors include two sons, Jeff Martin and wife, Jazan, Jasper, James Martin and wife, Mary, Joplin; grandchildren, Jenilee Godsey and husband, Grady, Jacob Martin and wife, MaKensey, Elizabeth Martin, Mckenzie Martin, Felicia Martin; one great grandchild on the way, John Wylan Godsey; siblings, Patricia Hall, Tommy Martin and wife, Dana, John Martin, Mary Stearnes, Deborah Pacheco and husband, Martin, Marvin Martin, Jennifer Silvers and husband, Bill; several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Services are planned for Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. Mike Cloud will officiate. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. A private interment will take place at Park Cemetery, Carthage, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Soul’s Harbor of Joplin in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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