Leo Paul Martin (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Leo Paul Martin was born May 17, 1933 in Rockford, Illinois to Fred W. Martin and Laura J. Edwards Martin. He passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026 in Lebanon South Nursing and Rehab in Lebanon, Missouri at the age of ninety-two years, eleven months and twenty-three days.
He was raised in Rockford and continued to live and work in Rockford until he was chosen (drafted) in the United States Army. He served in Korea as the 780th Field Artillery Cannoneer. While serving with the Army, he was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, The Republic of Korean Presidential Unit Commendation and the Korean Service Ribbon.
On November 28, 1964, Leo married the love of his life, Sharon Jean Myers. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family and shared memories. This past year, they celebrated sixty-one years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and partnership.
Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Laura; his brothers, William, Richard, Ed, Larry, Eldon and Danny; and his sister, Mary Jane.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Martin of Lebanon, Missouri; three children, Leo Paul Martin, Jr. and his wife Donna of Rockford, Illinois, Linda Kenagy and her husband Jeff of Edgerton, Wisconsin and Michele White and her husband Rodney of Lebanon, Missouri; his grandchildren, Christopher Martin, Tashna Martin, Bryan Kenagy and his wife Elizabeth, Jennifer Nutt and her husband Tim; Rebeka Davy and her husband Josh and RaJeana White; his great-grandchildren, Aiddan Kenagy, Lauren Kenagy, Emily Kenagy, Alison Nutt, Anderson Nutt, Axel Nutt, Samuel Davy and Dawson Davy; a great-great-grandchild, Dexen Kenagy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Leo and Sharon moved to California in 1982 and retired in Lebanon in 1995. Leo loved being outdoors and enjoyed the beautiful Missouri Ozarks.
Most of his life, Leo was a professional truck driver, but also served as a custodian in the Gonzales, California School District. After they moved to Lebanon, Leo was employed at Hardees. He and Sharon also enjoyed babysitting the grandchildren.
Leo said the greatest day of his life December 23, 1974. This was the day he was baptized and became a Christian. He loved God with all his heart and was a member at South 5 Church of Christ.
Leo loved and cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. He was a caring and trusted neighbor and friend. He was an honorable man who loved his country and trusted God. He worked hard and always tried to do the right thing. His passing leaves a great void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A memorial has been established to the Church of Christ and donations may be left at the funeral home.
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