John H. "Jack" Martin was born November 27, 1913 in Cherry County, Nebraska. He was the son of John T. and Mary Carmichael Martin.

He moved with his parents to the Martin homeplace in Frontier County in 1917. He continued to live in the Farnam community until his move to Gothenburg last year.

Jack was married on July 6, 1935 to Jessie Speck. Two sons and two daughters were born to Jack and Jessie. She preceded him in death in April of 1979. He was married to Nina Thompson on September 26, 1979.

During his adult years, Jack farmed in Dawson, Frontier, and Lincoln counties and also worked for the Dawson County Department of Roads. From 1948 to 1976, he was owner-operator of the Standard Service Station in Farnam.

Jack was a World War II veteran, having served in Europe. He was a member of the Farnam VFW, and was a past commander of the American Legion Post No. 288 of Farnam. He was a 45-year member of the IOOF Lodge in Farnam and was grand master of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska in 1984-85. He was also a member of the Encampment, Rebekahs, and the Patriarchs Militant, all of Cozad, and also the Amos Lodge of North Platte. He was recently named recipient of the Chivalry of Honor by the Patriarchs Militant of Nebraska and would have received this honor on this coming Sunday.

For many years he was the announcer for the football games at the Farnam High School.

Jack and Nina moved into Gothenburg in August 1987.

Jack died of a massive heart attack on Monday, June 20, 1988, in Gothenburg, Nebraska. He had reached the age of 74 years, 6 months, and 23 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jessie, a sister Edith Beery, and three grandsons.

He is survived by his wife Nina; two sons, Jerry and his wife Sandra of Hebron and Doug and his wife Sue of North Platte; two daughters, June and her husband Norlin Cooper of North Platte and Norma Florom of Indianola. Also surviving is one brother Frank of Maywood. Also four step-daughters: Betty Hoppe and Ruth Ann Hess of Farnam, Sally Thomas of North Platte, and Pat Binning of Batavia, Ohio. Also, 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, twelve step-grandchildren, and fourteen step-great-grandchildren.

Final rites were Thursday in the United Methodist Church in Farnam with Rev. Charles Leypoldt officiating and burial in the Farnam Cemetery. Graveside rites were conducted by the American Legion Post #288 and the IOOF Lodge.

Rev. Charles Leypoldt