Walter Gerald Martin
March 15, 1935 – Dec. 15, 2019
OVERBROOK — Walter Gerald Martin, Overbrook, died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook. He was 84. He was born March 15, 1935, in Ottawa, the son of Noah and Dora O’Brien Martin. He graduated from Overbrook High School in 1955.
Walter was a lifelong resident, of Overbrook, as well as a longtime business owner. He served his community in several ways over the years.
He was a member of the volunteer fire department for many years. At county fair time, he could be found pulling a float in the parade. On Friday nights, for over 30 years, one could see Walt “running the chains” at the high school football game or keeping score at basketball games. One of the biggest and lasting ways he served was as scoutmaster of Troop 112. Many stories have been told of scout camping adventures and cookouts. Walt was always up for a good game of cards or dominoes in his spare time.
Walt married Patricia Ann Hobbs, July 26, 1971. They had 48 wonderful years. She survives of the home.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dale Martin and Noah Martin; and a sister, Deloris Martin.
Together, Walt and Patricia raised a blended family of eight children, Stuart Martin and wife, Susan, Omaha, Neb., Peggy Smith and husband, Steve, Overbrook, Julia Downs, Dallas, Texas, Alan Martin, Lee’s Summit, Mo., Danny Sowers, Gate, Okla., Lloyd Sowers and wife, Kathy, Burlingame, Alva Sowers and wife, Donna, Overbrook, and David Sowers and wife, Cathy, Overbrook; 20 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins that loved him; and two sisters, Kathleen Love, Cameron, Mo., and Martha Howey, Henderson, Nev.
He was cremated. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at Overbrook United Methodist Church, Overbrook. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lyndon Help House and sent in care of Carey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 196, Burlingame, KS 66413.
