Carl Gene Martin's Obituary
Carl Gene Martin, age 87, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the Homestead Assisted Living Center in Centerville where he lived with his wife Flora Jo.
Carl was born April 7th, 1935, at home in Monroe County, to Frank and Laura (Derby) Martin. Carl attended Tater Hill country school and later Moravia through the 7th grade. He and Flora Jo were united in marriage on March 20th, 1957 at Christian Church in Centerville.
Carl learned farming on the family's 200 acres located on the Chariton River bottom. In 1959, land bordering the county line of Wayne and Appanoose near Confidence, belonging to Stix and Argie Reynolds, became home. Later in 1961, they purchased a farm in Monroe County near Melrose where he and Flora Jo lived until 1999. After selling the farm they moved to Centerville where he owned, managed and maintained rental homes and apartments. Carl thoroughly enjoyed working with his hands, and was a bona fide handyman proficient in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, shop mechanics, as well as cement and masonry work. He was also a member of the Chariton River Baptist Church. Carl enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others and was known for stopping what he was doing on a moment's notice to lend a helping hand. The list is very long of people who benefitted from Carl taking the time to teach them the right way to do the job. Selflessly serving others is often talked about, but not put into daily practice. Carl was the exception, putting others before himself which meant work on his own projects would often start after the sun went down.
Carl and Flora Jo purchased a winter home and rentals in Casa Grande, Arizona, where they loved to escape the cold and spend time with new friends and neighbors. Carl took a lot of pride in taking care of things, and at the top of the list was his wife of 65 years, Flora Jo. She was his pride and joy. Throughout his lifetime, especially towards the end of his life, Carl made sure Flora Jo was taken care of, even when he couldn't take care of himself anymore. Another example was when Carl came across an injured Lhasa Apso pup outside their Arizona home. After caring for and getting the pup on the mend, Carl, unable to locate the owner, decided to be his permanent caretaker naming him Earl after a popular country song at the time. Carl loved dogs and he and Earl had a special bond, each bringing the other lots of joy to the very end. A previously beloved rat terrier named TD, who went with Carl everywhere, will have his ashes buried where Carl wished at a later date.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents as well as four brothers; Floyd, Tom (Velta), Bruce (Florence) and Basil (Kathryn). He is survived by his wife Flora Jo; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00PM at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville on Saturday, January 28th with Pastor Marvin Martin officiating. Visitation will take place Saturday, January 28, 2023 with family greeting friends from 2-4PM. A private family burial will happen at later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given in Carl's memory to Iconium Cemetery for American flags flown at Iconium Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page.
Carl's memorial service may be viewed online at https://my.gather.app/remember/carl-martin-2023
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