Joseph Martin

Joseph Patrick Martin passed away Sunday, November 28, 2010 at his home in Ellis, Kansas. Joseph was the third child and second son of Woodrow W. and Willena J. (Tunstall) Martin. He was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma September 1, 1945. Joe graduated from Chase Rural High School and Fort Hays State University. He was a US Navy veteran and a substance abuse counselor in Topeka. He was member of the Ellis Library Board and served on the board of the Helen Hocker Theater and Topeka Civic Theater. He was an avid reader and accomplished actor. Joe lived in Topeka for 21 years after a bit of wandering through Arizona, California, Kansas, Wyoming, and North Dakota. He spent his final year living in Ellis near Big Creek.He is survived by his mother Willena of Ellis, Kansas; Sisters Virginia Spurlock, El Dorado and Anne Gurss, Lawrence; Brothers Philip and Kenneth of Ellis, Kansas. Joe has numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. These are Tony Spurlock and children Zachary and Ashley, Lorene Ruiz and son Logan, Jamie Martin and daughter Abby Jill, Jed Martin and sons Jackson, Jacob, and James , Charles Martin, Lucas Gurss, Nicole Hammond and daughter Maizie, Jennifer Wood and daughter Kayla. His father Woodrow Wilson Martin, brother James Woodrow Martin, and niece Melissa Martin preceded him. A memorial luncheon will be held Saturday, December 4th in the Community Room of the Ellis Public Library, 907 Washington St. 12-2pm. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel ~ 400 E. 17th ~ Ellis, KS. 67637. In lieu of flowers, Joseph suggested memorials to either the Topeka Civic Theater or the Ellis Public Library.











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