Stephen Louis Martin

Stephen Louis Martin, 52, passed away at 11:11 pm on August 26, 2012, in West Plains, MO, after an extended illness. He was born in Kansas City, KS, on January 26, 1960, to John Louis Martin and Elizabeth Ann (Bilyeu) Martin (mother preceded in death 1977), the third of six children. A loving family man, he is survived by John and Sue Martin, of Yellville, AR daughters Ashley and Lisa Martin, of Harrison, AR siblings Rhonda Leslie, Chico, CA, Janice Short, West Plains, MO, Donna (David) Lyons, San Antonio, TX, Becky (Jim) Renaud, Frisco, TX and John (Carolyn) Martin II, West Plains, MO and a multitude of adoring family members and friends. Steve attended Stony Point South Elementary School, KS; Parkwood High School, Joplin, MO; and Rockwall High School, Rockwall, TX. After joining the U.S. Navy in 1977 and serving on the USS Enterprise, he worked as a diesel mechanic. An avid outdoorsman, his passions included relaxing in the woods and on river banks, playing guitar, singing, fishing, camping and archery. "Beave,"� as nicknamed by siblings, loved kids and animals. He was playful, a tease and practical jokester. A music lover, favorite songs were Rocky Mountain High by John Denver and Go Rest High On That Mountain by Vince Gill. Steve was a minister of God, deeply religious and compassionate, loved helping others. His legacy will include his well-known and often-mimicked gesture of scratching his chin and impishly saying, "Know what I"�m saying??"� A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at the Highlandville Cemetery in Highlandville, MO, officiated by Rev. Danny Spence. Steve will be buried with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations are made in his name to: Adams Funeral Home, 504 W Walnut St, Ozark MO 65721, (417) 581-2400. Those of us who loved him and are left behind deeply cherish having had Steve in our lives. We greatly miss him and feel a huge empty place in our hearts and lives. We celebrate his life and the wonderful man that he was and rejoice that he is in a happy place, at peace, and in good hands with our Lord, mother and family in Heaven. We are comforted that Stephen Louis Martin lives on, remains a part of us, and that we will see him again in time.