Stephen “Steve” Larry Martin, 73, of Minot, N.D., a devoted servant of Jesus Christ, passed away, Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Steve was born to the late George and Kathryn Martin of Ware Shoals, SC, where he attended school. He graduated from The Citadel, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He married the love of his life Lana (Parks) Martin of Abbeville, SC, in August of 1974 and they moved to Montana to start his career as an officer in the Air Force. During his 20 years of patriotic service, with moves to six states and one country, he also earned a master’s in counseling psychology in 1986 from Pepperdine University.
Steve retired from military service in 1994 and started his second act as a Middle and High School Counselor at Memorial Middle School and Magic City High School. After retiring from serving the Minot Public School system in 2017, he jumped right into his third act as the preacher for Liberty Baptist Church, Kief, ND.
Steve was a great example of a Christ follower. It follows then that he was the best example of a husband, father, brother and patriot. Steve was a pillar in his family, worship circle and to all that knew him. Most recently, he served with Habitat for Humanity, Baptist Disaster Relief, Camp Bentley and helping his neighbors and friends. Anyone who knew him, has also laughed with him. His wit, humor, pranks and jokes could fill a book. In his spare time, if he had any, he could be found cheering for Clemson and the Yankees. Pop loved watching his grandchildren do what they love doing, often giving strong words of encouragement.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of fifty years, Lana; three daughters, April Whetter (Randy) Wilson, NC; Anna Ostler (Stewart) Lancaster, CA, and Amy Geinert (Nick) Thompson, ND; three brothers, Mike Martin (Betty) Little River, SC; Sammy Martin (Trice) Greenwood, SC; and Jim Martin (Gayle) Woodbridge, VA; and one sister, Kathy Burdette (Don) Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Troy, Leah and Ross Whetter, Noah and Nathan Ostler, and Alma and Georgia Geinert and many nieces and nephews.
Public Visitation is from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025 followed by a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1615 2nd St SE, Minot, ND 58701. To view a streaming of the service or share memories and condolences, access his obituary at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of plants or flowers, donations can be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 2811 3rd Ave. NE, Kief, ND 58723, Habitat for Humanity Northern Lights, Venmo link is: @minothabitat; or Camp Bentley, 9115 Baine Dr, Bismarck, ND 58503.
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