The Richmond News, Nov. 24, 2023

Rev. Harold Martin crossed over the threshold into glory at 6:50 a.m. Nov. 18, 2023, at his residence.

Reverend Martin was born April 22, 1943, in Richmond to Ina Mae (Wrisinger) Martin and Clifford Franklin Martin Sr.

Reverend Martin attended the Fairview school in rural Carroll County, Norborne and Henrietta elementary schools, and Richmond R-XVI High School, graduating in 1961.

He was married in September 1961. Three children were born to that marriage: Karon, Melody and Duane.

Reverend Martin later married Sharon Lou Fox Seely in October 1979. Sharon brought three daughters into the marriage: Cindy, Sheri and Julie.

Sharon preceded Mr. Martin in death on Aug. 25, 2011.

He is survived by six children, Cindy Lou Seely, Sheri Ann Watkins, Karon Evaun Pantera, Melody Dawn Martin, Julie Kay Kramer and Duane Allen Martin; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three greatgreat- grandchildren.

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and grandson, Jacob Sallee.

In June 1962, Mr. Martin began his career at Ford Motor Co.’s assembly plant at Claycomo. That lasted 30-plus years. Mr. Martin retired from Ford in October 1992.

Mr. Martin played guitar and sang, entertaining the residents of Shirkey Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and the Trails End in Lexington for several years, even before retiring from Ford.

Mr. Martin also founded and organized The Gloryland Express, a bluegrass gospel group. This group ministered to churches and nursing homes. The group also had a bus to travel around this part of the state. For several years, the group had a 30-minute live radio program featuring bluegrass gospel music and a short presentation of the gospel.

In 1995, Mr. Martin started his life in ministry by being called as pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Martin served there for 12-plus years, leading the congregation from an attendance of nine when he began there to an average of 60 to 65 when he resigned.

During those 12 years, he also served as a volunteer with the following organizations: Ray County Salvation Army advisory board for 12 years, including 10 of them as secretary; Community 2000 board; Richmond Ministerial Alliance, serving two years as president; and the Senior Citizen advisory board.

After resigning from Hickory Grove, Mr. Martin served two years as administrative assistant to Dr. Jerry Palmer, director of missions with the Heartland Baptist Association, located in Lawson.

Reverend Martin then accepted a call to serve as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cowgill. In 2014, he was forced to resign because of his health.

Over his years of ministry, Mr. Martin organized The God Squad, a ministry serving seniors and nursing home residents in at least four counties.

Reverend Martin also wrote a religious column called “Reflections of Grace.” The column was featured for several years in the Richmond News.

Mr. Martin held several positions in his local church, as well as the Heartland Baptist Association, before becoming a pastor.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held Friday, Nov. 24, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services following at 2. Inurnment will follow the services in Hickory Grove Cemetery, northeast of Richmond.

Please share your memories of Harold with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.