John H. Martin

John H. Martin, age 83, of Kearney, formerly Pleasanton, died Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at the Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney. Funeral services will be on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasanton United Methodist Church. Reverend Kayla Mangrich will officiate with the burial at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and also 1 hour prior to services on Friday all at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Pleasanton Lions Club, the Pleasanton United Methodist Church or the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements. John was born on August 2, 1940 to Clayton E. and Grace M. (Zeilinger) Martin in Kearney, NE. One year later he was joined in the family by brother Lynn. They remained close in their childhood and worked together until well into their 70’s. On August 24, 1963 he married his wife, Sharon Lynne Yost of Hastings. They were joined by a son, John Clayton in 1968 at Brookings, SD. Then in 1973 Charles was born to them in Kearney. John, Sharon and their sons returned to the farm on March 15, 1974. It has been their home ever since. Both boys joined their dad and uncle in the farming operation as they became old enough. In addition to the farm operation, John also served as a teacher and professor. John graduated from Pleasanton High School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Kearney State Teachers College. He then earned a Master’s Degree from the University of South Dakota followed by his Doctorate from the University of Kansas. John was an active member of the community and volunteered his time as a member of the Pleasanton Lions Club, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Buffalo County Farm Bureau, Kearney Rural Fire Board, Ft. Kearney Chapter of the American Red Cross and many others. He attended the Pleasanton United Methodist Church. Surviving relatives include his wife, Sharon Martin of Riverdale; sons, John C. Martin and his wife Leslie of Pleasanton, Charles T. Martin and his wife Julie of Kearney; grandchildren, Jenna Palu and her husband Tanner, Lani Matney and her husband Jake and Jedidiah Martin; great grandchildren, Tasen, Briggs and Hexten Palu; sisters in law, Sandra Martin, Barbara Gibbs; nieces, Amy Mayhew, Christine Knezevic and Dawn Sprague; nephew, Darrin Sprague, John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lynn Martin; nephew, Dusty Sprague, and cousin Maxine Rizer.

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John H. Martin

August 2, 1940 - September 19, 2023