Served 20 years in the United States Army; in Vietnam in 1969 Paul Eugene Martin was born on Nov. 28, 1940 in the Hammond community of Ozark County, the eldest of three children born to Vaughn and Norene (Lantz) Martin, and departed this life at his home in Ava on June 27, 2009 at the age of 68.
Paul served his country for 20 years in the United States Army, seeing combat in Vietnam during 1969. After retirement Paul returned to Ava in 1989 where he remained till his passing. Paul worked at the Rawlings plant where he was skilled in all aspects of baseball glove making. He enjoyed living in a small town and the simpler things that it brought, driving back roads, fishing, woodworking and playing the guitar on the front porch. Paul was a member of the VFW post 5993 of Ava.
Paul is survived by his mother, Norene, of Ava; three daughters, Nori and Curtis Curenton, of St. Robert, Mo., Kristine Quedraogo, of Washington, D.C., and Paula Michelle Thomas, of Greenbelt, Md. Paul is also survived by two sons, Kenneth and Denna Harding, of Laquey, Mo, and Christopher and Ginny Martin, of St. Robert. He has 12 grandchildren, Ciren, Cavonn, Cuinton, Brian, Cory, Brianna, Taila, Eric, Troy, Luke, Alex, and Winnie. Survivors also include three nieces and three nephews; one brother, Rick Martin, of Rogersville, and a sister, Phyllis Sanders, of Springfield; two aunts, Fern Rhoades and Eula Wallace, and special friends Jerry and Connie Opoien, of Minnesota.
Funeral services for Paul E. Martin were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday June 30, in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, with full military honors. Visitation was from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome. com.
