John Joseph Martin of St. Marys, Kansas passed away holding his wife’s hand on Sunday, May 17, 2026. John was born on June 4, 1938 to Marie (Otnes) and William Martin of Ogden, KS. The family moved to their home on Cross Creek when John was young. He eventually would purchase the family home and farm, and raise his children there.
John attended Holy Cross School in Emmett, Kansas and graduated from Emmett High School, class of 1956. Being high school sweethearts, John and Agnes married on May 3, 1958 and celebrated 68 years of marriage. After living on the family farm in Emmett for over 40 years, they moved to St. Marys and are current members of Immaculate Conception Church. John and Agnes had seven children, 22 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren.
As a great storyteller with a sharp memory, John could command a room. He had entertaining stories to tell of his many shenanigans. John was competitive as a high school bull rider, qualifying in the event at the first Kansas High School Rodeo. He championed the underdog, and was kind with a soft heart for helping others.
John was a talented and hard-working tile and marble craftsman, while also maintaining the family farm. But mostly, his love was being a cattle rancher. Over the years, he held many community roles. This included being part of the Holy Cross Church Council, Emmett City Council and serving on the St. Clere township board and Fire District. He was proud to be a second-generation, Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #657. John loved Emmett, KS and knew its history. In his last years, he loved driving the back roads and telling stories. John never knew a stranger, and always had time to talk.
John was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Clark, and son, Russell Martin, as well as his grandsons, Jared Cheek and Tate Bernardel.
John is survived by his wife, Agnes Martin of the home; daughters, Jane (Tony) Bernardel, Edwardsville; Joan (Brandon) Magette, St. Marys; Lori Martin, Lawrence; Donna (Andy) Perry, St. Marys; Jennifer Martin, Prairie Village; daughter-in-law, Pam Martin, Belvue; along with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia (Gary) Ross, his sister-in-law, Verna Martin and his brother-in-law, Roy Wilson, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to Knights of Columbus Council #657 in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St, St. Marys, KS.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm with a rosary to follow on Thursday, May 21 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, May 22, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Marys. Inurnment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
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