1932
Ernest
2023
Ernest (Gunner) Martin
December 26, 1932 — May 18, 2023
Ernest Lee Martin, Jr.
Dec. 26, 1932-May 18,2023
Ernest Martin, Jr. who everyone knew as “Gunner” was born on December 26, 1932, to Ernest and Eva (Freeland) Martin in their home south of Lamar, Nebraska. He lived his entire life on the family farm and was able to live at home until his death on May 18, 2023.
Gunner attended Chase County High School through the 12th grade. He loved convertibles! He had one in high school he wished he had never sold.
Gunner married Jacqueline Shrum of Benkelman, Nebraska, on June 19, 1953. They lived on the family farm in the home he grew up in until they built their new home on the same place in 1971. This union lasted over 30 years and during that time they raised four children: Jyl, Joni, Tami, and TJ.
Gunner was a hardworking farmer and rancher. He also became an auctioneer, real estate broker and appraiser. Many times, while we were all in the car together, he would start auctioning and us kids would start bidding. It was a fun memory. Gunner enjoyed farming and in the 1970’s started developing grassland into irrigated farmland with pivot irrigation systems. He raised angus cattle, purchased calves, and fed them out in the feedlot he built south of their home. Gunner usually had a few quarter horse mares around as he enjoyed raising colts. His favorite horse however was a stud named “Bullet.”
Jackie worked alongside Gunner for thirty years while raising their family. The couple, through this time, started racing thoroughbred horses in Omaha and Grand Island, Nebraska. It was an adventure they both enjoyed.
Gunner had many accomplishments that he was proud of during his lifetime, but he was never a boastful man, and always remained very humble.
Gunner was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eva Martin, sisters; Loueva Makinster, Dortha Lyons, Frances Moranville, Fern Mathews, brothers Joe and Ben Martin.
Survivors Include:
Former Spouse: Jackie Martin of Benkelman, NE
Children: Jyl Ellis and Larry Bryan of Greeley, CO., Joni (Bobby) Schilke of Lamar, NE, Tami (Kelly) Hayward, of Parks, NE, and TJ (Kristy) Martin of Keystone, NE.
Grandchildren: April Jessee, Autumn Woltemath, Austin Ellis. Summer Slechta, Sage Eidson, Shay Martin, Holly Blair, Kelci Wilkinson, Tanner Martin and Ty Martin
Great-Grandchildren: Holden and Peyton Woltemath, Rayn, Stone, and Grant Jessee, Cadence, Keziah, Tristan, Harley, and Hudson Ellis, Britan Meints, Bronson, Brody, and Bond Blair, Harlow Wilkinson, and Nora Martin.
Great-Great-Grandchildren: Burke and Kit Meints
Graveside services will be held Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2023, 1:00 P.M. (Mountain Time) at the Green Lawn Cemetery, Lamar, Nebraska, with John Engbrecht officiating.
In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been suggested to the Lamar Nebraska Rural Volunteer Fire Department. 205 Arapahoe Street, Lamar, Nebraska 69023
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
LIEWER FUNERAL HOME ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS
Dec. 26, 1932-May 18,2023
Ernest Martin, Jr. who everyone knew as “Gunner” was born on December 26, 1932, to Ernest and Eva (Freeland) Martin in their home south of Lamar, Nebraska. He lived his entire life on the family farm and was able to live at home until his death on May 18, 2023.
Gunner attended Chase County High School through the 12th grade. He loved convertibles! He had one in high school he wished he had never sold.
Gunner married Jacqueline Shrum of Benkelman, Nebraska, on June 19, 1953. They lived on the family farm in the home he grew up in until they built their new home on the same place in 1971. This union lasted over 30 years and during that time they raised four children: Jyl, Joni, Tami, and TJ.
Gunner was a hardworking farmer and rancher. He also became an auctioneer, real estate broker and appraiser. Many times, while we were all in the car together, he would start auctioning and us kids would start bidding. It was a fun memory. Gunner enjoyed farming and in the 1970’s started developing grassland into irrigated farmland with pivot irrigation systems. He raised angus cattle, purchased calves, and fed them out in the feedlot he built south of their home. Gunner usually had a few quarter horse mares around as he enjoyed raising colts. His favorite horse however was a stud named “Bullet.”
Jackie worked alongside Gunner for thirty years while raising their family. The couple, through this time, started racing thoroughbred horses in Omaha and Grand Island, Nebraska. It was an adventure they both enjoyed.
Gunner had many accomplishments that he was proud of during his lifetime, but he was never a boastful man, and always remained very humble.
Gunner was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eva Martin, sisters; Loueva Makinster, Dortha Lyons, Frances Moranville, Fern Mathews, brothers Joe and Ben Martin.
Survivors Include:
Former Spouse: Jackie Martin of Benkelman, NE
Children: Jyl Ellis and Larry Bryan of Greeley, CO., Joni (Bobby) Schilke of Lamar, NE, Tami (Kelly) Hayward, of Parks, NE, and TJ (Kristy) Martin of Keystone, NE.
Grandchildren: April Jessee, Autumn Woltemath, Austin Ellis. Summer Slechta, Sage Eidson, Shay Martin, Holly Blair, Kelci Wilkinson, Tanner Martin and Ty Martin
Great-Grandchildren: Holden and Peyton Woltemath, Rayn, Stone, and Grant Jessee, Cadence, Keziah, Tristan, Harley, and Hudson Ellis, Britan Meints, Bronson, Brody, and Bond Blair, Harlow Wilkinson, and Nora Martin.
Great-Great-Grandchildren: Burke and Kit Meints
Graveside services will be held Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2023, 1:00 P.M. (Mountain Time) at the Green Lawn Cemetery, Lamar, Nebraska, with John Engbrecht officiating.
In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been suggested to the Lamar Nebraska Rural Volunteer Fire Department. 205 Arapahoe Street, Lamar, Nebraska 69023
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
LIEWER FUNERAL HOME ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernest (Gunner) Martin, please visit our flower store.
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