Mark Ray Martin

Mark R. Martin, 86, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.

Mark Ray Martin was born February 19, 1940, in Oran, Missouri, the son of Ira Leonard and Mary Eliziabeth (Mason) Martin. He graduated from Fisk-Rombauer High School in Fisk, Missouri in 1961. He later received a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University in 1967.

He was joined in marriage to Brenda Fae Clear on January 1, 1977, in Iola, Kansas. To this union two boys were born, Matthew L. and Bryon P.

Mark worked in the Industrial Engineering Department for Didde Manufacturing from 1967 to 1984 and then later spent the majority of his time as an Instrumentation and Control technician at Wolf Creek Power Plant from 1984 to 2006 when he retired.

He attended Flint Hills Bible Church in Emporia. Mark had served two terms as mayor of Neosho Rapids and had been a member of Lions Club.

Mark loved spending time fishing with and attending sporting events for his grandchildren. He enjoyed camping with friends from Wolf Creek, woodworking, anything outdoors and working on any projects he might think of.

He will be forever remembered by his wife, Brenda of the home; two sons, Matt (Alanna) Martin of Neosho Rapids and Bryon (Darcy Wells) Martin of Emporia; a sister, Rose Zella (Martin) Pixley of Advance, Missouri and five grandchildren, Gracie, Harper, Blake, Carter and Evelyn.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Franklin “Hank”, George “Jud” and Ernest “Ernie” Martin.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 12th, 2026, at Flint Hills Bible Church in Emporia, KS.  Inurnment will be later at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Neosho Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to Flint Hills Bible Church and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.