Kenneth Earl Martin

Kenneth Earl Martin, 74, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 24, 2023, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his father, Wayland Martin, brother, Stephen Martin, and in-laws Elwyn and Annis Dysart. Kenneth was born and raised in Dalhart, TX. He met the love of his life, Vicki, in high school. They were engaged and married shortly after graduation and spent the next 53 years together before his passing. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Martin, of Tennessee, mother Earlene Martin, of Texas, brother Mike (Patsy) Martin, of Texas, sister Cheryl (Garry) Ryon, of Texas, daughter Melissa (Steve) Anderson of Tennessee, son James (Christi) Martin of Texas, daughter Stephanie (Bart) Smith of Florida, and son Jeremy (Ashley) Martin of Nebraska, 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Kenneth and Vicki built an amazing life for themselves. They welcomed their first two children into the world a few short years after marrying. Kenneth answered a call to join the priesthood and was ordained by the Episcopal church in 1978. Kenneth served churches in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida. Kenneth and Vicki would welcome two more children into the world during that time. Kenneth and Vicki had a timeless love that spanned the generations. He took immense pride in being a father to their children and a pillar in the communities he served. Kenneth made sure that he passed on his quiet love for people to each of his children and eventually his grandchildren. Kenneth was not only an amazing father and grandfather to his family, but he was a person who took care of the people in his communities as well. He was a true picture of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Kenneth was an amazing man of the cloth, but his real pride could be seen in being an amazing father to his children. All four of his children believe that their father was both the most loving man in the room and the smartest man in the room, Kenneth would definitely agree. Kenneth was a quiet man, but no one ever questioned his love for them, especially his wife and children. While great pride could be seen in his raising of his children, his pride peaked the moment he became a Grandpa. Kenneth was most proud of his grandchildren, and it showed in everything he did and said. He was quick to attend any event he was capable of and was the proudest person in the room! At the end of his life, he beamed with pride that four of his grandchildren chose to serve our country in the armed forces. One would be hard-pressed to find a more proud Grandpa on this side of Heaven.

Kenneth’s passing will leave a massive hole in the hearts of everyone that knew him, but we all rest in the knowledge that he is whole, happy, and healthy resting in the arms of his Savior!

Services for Kenneth will be held at Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles in Collierville, TN, on Saturday, April 29th at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any token of love be sent to:

Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles

Organ Fund- In memory of Kenneth Martin

1380 Wolf River Blvd

Collierville, TN 38017

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/nashville-cremation for the Martin family.