Craig Martin

(From Parker Mortuary)

Craig Winfield Martin, 77, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away Friday, September 25, 2020.

Craig was born May 11, 1943, in Springfield, Massachusetts to Albert and Fredrica (Rowe) Martin. He grew up in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, until he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for architect school. On April 15, 1967, he was united in marriage to Betty Nicholson in Minot, North Dakota, and together they had four children.

Craig served in the United States Air Force and for four years and the Army for 16 years. He resided in Guilford, Connecticut, most of his lifetime before moving to Joplin in 2003. Craig was a resident at Mt. Vernon Veteran’s Home for the last five years. He loved model airplanes, cars and tanks and also enjoyed working on cars. 

Survivors include the mother of his children and his best friend, Betty Bedell, of Joplin; four children, Dana DeMent, David Martin, Scott Martin and Shona Martin; nine grandchildren, Savanna DeMent, April Martin, Tiffany Brezicki, Jonathan Martin, Ashley Perkins, Haleigh Martin, Josh Martin, James Parrish and Tatjana Parrish; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

The family will hold a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, at Hornet Christian Church with Pastor Butch Ward officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.