Edward ‘Eddie’ Joseph Martin, Jr., 74, passed away May 25, 2026, at Regent Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Wichita, Kan. He was born July 24, 1951, in Sterling, Colo., to Edward and Martha (Dupont) Martin, Sr. He married his sweetheart, Marlene Kay Anshutz, Dec. 28, 1980, at First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend.
Eddie exhibited his artistic skills in many ways. He started as a cosmetologist beautifying women for over a decade. He then went on to cook for a variety of food establishments, eventually putting his love of the culinary arts to work as the Buffet and Party Manager for Black Angus. Additionally, he often crafted beautiful wedding cakes and catered specialized banquets.
In his desire to become a dietician, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Fort Hays State University. Returning to his love of food, Eddie then went to work at Women’s Recovery Center in Hoisington supervising meal planning and preparation before following God’s calling to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. This new direction led him to guide men in their rehabilitation at Larned State Correctional Facility until his retirement in December 2023.
As if these endeavors weren’t enough for Eddie, throughout it all he tirelessly demonstrated his love for God as a lifetime member of First Assembly of God Church, serving in Bible Study, Choir, and Holiday Pageants, supporting Missionettes, and facilitating numerous Bierock Fundraisers.
Eddie wasn’t defined by what he did, he defined what he did by who he was.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Marlene Kay Anshutz Martin; daughter, Erin Rochelle Martin and her significant other Jonathan Paul Griffin of Denver, Colo.; sister, Patricia ‘Pat’ Kay Lovin of Ellis; brother, Anthony ‘Tony’ Wayne Martin of WaKeeney; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Lucille Martin; and brother-in-law, Richard Lovin.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, at Encounter Church, with Pastor Larry Schumacher presiding. Burial will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, rural Radium. Visitation is available from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026, with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to Wheat State Retreat Center or Encounter Church (to benefit Missionary Phyllis Rose), in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 28, 2026
