Thomas Harold (Pepper) Martin, 84, was born Feb. 9, 1928, to George William and Mary (Lampkins) Martin in Fremont, Mo. He passed away April 1, 2012, at Houston House, Houston, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; seven sisters, Sarah, Madge, Pearl, Coye, Minnie, Blanch and Betty Jane; and two brothers, William Charles and Carl.
He attended school in Raymondville, Mo., to the sixth grade but quit to help his mother make a living. He started cutting logs with a cross cut saw when he was 12 and also worked at Thompson’s Feed Store, Lilly’s Furniture Store and Watson’s Hardware. Although he was crippled for life in a car accident when he was 17, it didn’t stop him from working. When he worked for Ralph Lilly he operated the Army Surplus Store until they closed and then went to Watson’s. Pepper retired at age 57.
Pepper is survived by his wife of 57 years, Veneta of the home in Houston, Mo.; one son, Roger Lynn Martin and wife, Tammy, of Houston, Mo.; one grandson, Jason Martin of Houston, Mo.; two great-granddaughters, Jaydin and Taylor; three nephews, Charles Conley and wife; Mary; of Eureka, Mo., Jimmie Dean Connolly of Raymondville, Mo., and Ronnie Fagan of Bakersfield, Calif.; and many great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was a member of Houston Bible Baptist Church. Pepper was saved and baptized in 1963.
Pepper enjoyed playing the guitar and mandolin and liked to go coon hunting, fishing and sing. He was proud of being Resident of the Month at Houston House in January 2012.
He was a very kind and friendly man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at Evans Funeral Home with Pastors David Barbee and Gordon Rhodes officiating. Pallbearers were Charles Smith, Jason Martin, Bob Postlewaite, Bob Schafer, Lee Schafer and Gene McKee. Burial was in Pine Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
The family respectfully requests that donations be made in his honor to Three Rivers Hospice in lieu of floral arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.