Charles (Pepper) Maurice Martin

Charles (Pepper) Maurice Martin, 95, of Bronaugh, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at his home in Bronaugh. He was born Aug. 23, 1920, in Bronaugh, the son of Raymond and Minnie Mae Martin. On Sept. 1, 1979, he was united in marriage to Dolly Mae (Query) Martin and she survives of the home.

Pepper lived his entire life in the Bronaugh area with the exception of the spent away during his military commitment during World War II. He graduated with the Bronaugh High School Class of 1938. His military service began in 1942 in the United States Army with time also served in the United States Air Force. During his service years he was awarded three Bronze Stars for Rhineland Ardennes Central Europe campaign; the Good Conduct Medal; as well as the Purple Heart with Cluster being wounded in Germany in 1945. In August 2015 he was sponsored by Dr. Gary Huddleston to enjoy an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He was the oldest veteran on the flight and the first escorted from the plane to music and cheers from the waiting crowd, a very proud moment for him.

Upon Honorable Discharge he returned to Bronaugh where he again farmed. In his vocation he specialized in the training of gaited and trick horses, generally buying horses ranging in age for one to three training them for private concerns and circles. He also planted, raised, and cultivated corn, wheat, barley and hay using both horse and tractor power for field work. He was also experienced in the breeding and raising of registered beef cattle.

When time allowed he enjoyed watching old western movies and listening to old time gospel music. He was a longtime member of the Rinehart Christian Church.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Dolly, include children, Tena Pollock Black and Kirt of Atchison Kan., Daryl Herren of Bronaugh, Charlotte Cox and Nick also of Bronaugh, Martin Herren and Christine of Nevada, and Kelly Conner and Billy of Fort Scott, Kan.; grandchildren, Danielle Cox of Bronaugh, Olivia Crownover of Pittsburg, Kan., Dewey Herren of Nevada, Ryan Herren of the East Coast, Aubrey and Kyle Herren of Nevada, and Courtney, Brandy and Blyne Herren of Fort Scott, Kan.; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his only sister, Eleanor Martin.

A Celebration of Life Service with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Rinehart Christian Church, 9443 S. 900 Road, in Richards, Mo. Private interment will follow at a later date in the Worsley Cemetery in Bronaugh.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Worsley Cemetery in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.