John Henry Martin

Mesquite, NV - John Henry Martin, age 86, passed away September 2, 2017 in Mesquite, NV, surrounded by friends and loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 9,

1931 in Lodi, California, to Hugh Henry Martin and Ida Mae Rowan. John was the oldest of three sons born to this marriage. His brothers were Hugh Boyd Martin and Kenneth Edward Martin. He married Barbara Maye Zipser, July 3, 1953. To this marriage were born three children, Victoria Louise Martin, David Edward Martin and Robert Lawrence Martin. They later divorced. John married Beth Gifford (Chapman) on June 9, 1973, in the Oakland California Temple, where they began their first 44 years of eternal marriage. Beth had eight children from a former marriage; Judy Holloway, Connie Meyers, Donna Elston, Diane Dickison, Nancy Price, Beverly Chapman, Donald Chapman and Sandy Folkman.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Victoria Louise, his son Robert Lawrence, his step-daughter, Donna Elston, his brothers; Hugh Boyd Martin and Kenneth Edward Martin.

John is survived by his loving wife Beth Martin of Mesquite, NV and his son David Martin, of Modesto, CA. Between John and Beth, they have 29 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren.

John honorably served in the United State Army from May 2, 1951 to March 1, 1954 during the Korean War and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received in combat as well as many other awards. He was a dedicated member of the LDS Church serving in many different callings over the years.

A military burial will be performed on Friday, September15, 2017 at 1:20 p.m.. at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr., Boulder City, NV.

A memorial service will be held on September 16, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Whipple Chapel, 100 N. Arrowhead Lane, in Mesquite, NV.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions can be made, in John’s name, to the American Cancer Society (donate3.cancer.org) or another charity of your choice.

We wish to thank Virgin Valley Mortuary for their kindness and assistance in making arrangements for the internment at the Military Cemetery in Boulder City, NV. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their "Guest Book" at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.