John Leslie Martin, age 80, died peacefully at his residence in Auburn, Nebraska, December 1, 2023, of natural causes.
He was born April 25, 1943, Columbus, Ohio, the son of Dr. Kenneth J. Martin and Hellen E. (Fullenwider) Martin.
John graduated from Gahanna-Lincoln High School, Columbus, Ohio 1961 and Wilmington College, Wilmington, Ohio 1965 with a Bachelors in Agri-Science.
In December 1985 he married Janice K. Pierson in December 1985.
John spent most of his working years in agriculture, in Ohio and Colorado. He also served as an administrator for the Moose Lodge 484 in Loveland, Colorado. Before retiring to Nebraska with his wife, Jan, he ran the produce department at Neff's supermarket in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
John is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth J. Martin and Hellen E. (Fullenwider) Martin, and his sister Carol Morris.
John is survived by his wife Janice K. (Pierson) Martin; sisters Wanda Fleming, Joellen Morris, and Linda Morris; daughters Sarah M. Martin, Quincy, California; Edith E. (Martin) Thompson, Mount Vernon, Ohio; sons Zebulon I. Martin (Rachael Crouch), Athens, Ohio; Curt D. Booker, Auburn, NE; and C. Dale Booker, Milliken, Colorado. Stepchildren Deann Poulignat, Hawkins, TX; Doug Booker, Ridgeland, South Carolina; Julie Booker, Loveland, Colorado; and Rhonda Moore, Albertville, Alabama. Also 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
John will be cremated with a Celebration of Life at a later date to be announced.
He enjoyed backyard birds and wildlife, gardens, and the outdoors. He loved his dog, Toby, Willie Nelson, and most of all, spending time with his large and loving family.
In lieu of flowers, please take the time to plant a few seeds in your backyard, garden or local park. John’s favorites were sunflowers, hollyhocks and wildflowers.
Jan and the family would like to thank the following for all of the excellent care they provided; AseraCare Hospice, Nemaha County Hospital, Auburn County Health and Hemmingsen Funeral Home.