John L. Martin

John Lewis Martin, 79, of Keokuk, died at 1:35 AM Tuesday, October 16, 2012, surrounded by his family, in Iowa City. The oldest son of Lewis Briggs and Claudia Marie Martin, John was born March 20, 1933, in Hyannis, Nebraska. He married Nancy Lehn on August 12, 1962, in Julesburg, Colorado. John was raised on a ranch in the Sand Hills of western Nebraska and enjoyed reminiscing about those days. He served in the United States Army before receiving his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Nebraska. John and his family moved to Keokuk in 1971, where he was employed as a chemist for Hubinger/Heinz/Roquette. He retired in 1996. John truly appreciated and lived a full life. He enjoyed feeding the birds, walking, riding his bicycle, reading, writing and the many travels he and his wife shared. He received an award for a story he wrote about a woman to whom he delivered Meals-on-Wheels. He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife and family. He and Nancy celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with their family this past August in Colorado. John found great joy in the service of others. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he ...[more]

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ved on several committees, participated in mission trips, and was the caretaker of the rose garden. He was very active in the community as a former member and past president of Keokuk Kiwanis Club, a member of the George M. Verity Riverboat Commission, the Keokuk Public Library Board, and the Historical Preservation Commission. He also worked with Meals-on-Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and Sister Cities. He is survived by his wife, Nancy: three children, Jeffrey Martin and his wife Caren of Greensboro, North Carolina, and their children Andrew, Benjamin and Samuel; Christopher Martin and his wife Tamara of Ames, Iowa; and Jennifer Ciosek and her husband Michael of Phoenix, Arizona and their son Zane: seven brothers and sisters: Carolyn McKeag; Jim Martin; Karen Hammond; Steve Martin; Linda Martin; Mike Martin; and Mary Bilsland: and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastor John Raab officiating. Inurnment will be at 10:00 AM Monday, October 22, 2012, at Keokuk National Cemetery. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 6:00 to 8:00 Friday evening, October 19, in Fellowship Hall on the lower level of Trinity United Methodist Church. Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church, Heifer International Foundation or to Keokuk Public Library.