John William Martin's Obituary
John William Martin, 76, of Chanute, passed away Friday, May 16, at his home. John was born in Culver, Kansas, on January 24, 1938, the son of George Leo Martin and Bernitta Mae (Briggs) Martin.
He graduated in 1956 from Minneapolis (Kansas) High School, where he participated in several sports. He received a B.A. in Business from Emporia State in 1961 and worked for General Dynamics as a production planner for three years before retuning to Emporia State to receive a B.S. in Secondary Education. He received a M.S. in Administration from Pittsburg State University.
He was united in marriage to Margaret Jane Elrod on June 4, 1966 in Texarkana, Arkansas. She survives, of the home
John spent his education career at Royster Junior High/Middle School from 1965 to 2000. In his early years he taught social studies and coached basketball and track. He was an administrator at RJH for seven years before following his heart to return to the classroom to work more closely with students.
He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Chanute Area Retired School Personnel, and Kiwanis.
He enjoyed travel, sports and people, but above all, he was dedicated to his family.
Along with his wife, Jane, he is survived by two daughters, Stacy Wagner and husband Bill, of Wichita, and Amy Mussulman, of Wichita; grandchildren Darby Mussulman, Hannah Wagner, Reis Mussulman, Sophia Wagner, and Olivia Wagner, all of Wichita; sister, Rochelle Tennyson, of Ottumwa, IA; niece, Michelle Tennyson, of Lee’s Summit; brother-in-law Max Elrod and wife Beth, of Texarkana, AR; sister-in-law Merilyn Cheatham and husband Jeff of Columbus, GA; and several nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Ivan Tennyson.
Cremation has taken place.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23 at First Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 22 at Countryside Funeral Home Johnson Chapel.
Memorials in his name may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to the USD #413 Foundation and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.
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