Chester Martin

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Chester Davis Martin Jr., age 66 of Joplin MO, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021 following a brief illness.

Chester was born July 30, 1954 in Joplin to Chester Martin Sr. and Mary Ellen Shellenbarger. He married the love of his life, Karleen Richey, August 21, 1976. They stayed happily married and brought two loving children into this world, Charity and Shawn.

He loved being a papa to his grandkids. He also enjoyed spending time fishing, and being a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan, St. Louis Cardinals fan, and a Mizzou Tigers fan. As much as he loved watching sports and fishing, he loved being surrounded by his family more.

He spent his career with his work family at Freeman since 1974 working from an orderly to a First Assistant Scrub Tech in the Operating Room for 40 years where he received the golden scissors award twice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Dalton Harbaugh, Clinton Harbaugh and his cousin and best friend Randy Shellenbarger.

Survivors include wife, Karleen Martin of Joplin; daughter Charity Martin of Joplin; son Shawn Martin of Joplin; grandchildren Kylee Trevarrow, Gabriel Martin, Aayden Hymer, Chevelle Martin all of Joplin; and sister Mary Jo “ Squeaky” Martin of Joplin.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Mason Woodard Chapel.