Thomas L. Martin

Tom, better known to his family & friends as Poppa/Papa gained his wings on July 4th 2023. At 97 years old he lived a long-accomplished life. He was born in Princeton, KY to his parents Lee and Grace Martin. He moved to St. Louis at a young age where he got his education. When he was 17 he enlisted as a Marine in WWII & was called to war in the Pacific Theater as a sniper. While there he was wounded in action and received 2 Purple Hearts. During his recovery, he met the love of his life. At 16 & 19 years old they got married at the Hitching Post in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They had 2 daughters Sandi (preceded father in death) & Debbi (Mark). Their 2 daughters went on to have 3 children each. Poppa/Papa was established when the 1st grandchild Andy was born, then followed by David (Sharon), Jennie (Sarah), Kim, Krista (Tim) & Becca (Brady).  

Great & Great-Great Grandchildren are Taylor, Ryan, Gage, Gracie, Hunter, Hailey, Clayton, Ashlee, Logan, Jai, Luke, Delilah, Wendy, Lilith, Zye & Mariana.  

He worked for International Shoe Company before joining the teamsters through Central Hardware where he worked until he retired at the age of 62.  

Poppa/Papa’s favorite hobbies included shooting with his 2 sons-in-law Dave & Jim , whittling, playing guitar, writing poetry, reading daily from his Bible, watching his grandchildren play sports (he went to every game), last but not least he was the best storyteller you’ve ever met, every story was true no matter how outrageous they sounded! 

In lieu of flowers the requests donations to a charity of your choice.  

Celebration of Life will be held July 11th at Overland Lions Hall from 5-9.  

Overland Lions Hall 

2358 Lackland Rd.  

Overland, MO 63114