Leroy "Gene" Martin, age 75, of Iberia, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Boone Hospital in Columbia. He was born in Miller County on March 14, 1942, son of the late Louis "Louie" and Marjorie (Law) Martin. On September 9, 1961, in Iberia, Gene married the love of his life Janice Burd, who survives at their home.

In addition to his loving wife, Janice, he is also survived by one son, Russell Martin and wife Tammy of Eugene; one daughter, Roberta Murray and husband Rob of Iberia; four grandchildren, Nathaniel Gene Martin and wife Katie of Macon, Hannah Elizabeth Martin of Hartsburg, Taylor Lorraine Murray, and Collin Robert Murray of Iberia; one great-grandchild, Reese Maloah Martin of Macon; one brother, Larry Martin and wife Jeannie of Iberia; three sisters, Sharon Wiles and husband Olis of Willow Springs, Brenda Thompson of Iberia, and Janet Robinson and husband Gary of Marshfield; two uncles, Edward Martin and Harry Law; and several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law, Bill Thompson and his nephew, Freddie Thompson.

Gene was an elder at Iberia Church of Christ and was actively involved in Promise Keepers. He was a member of Missouri Farm Bureau serving on the board at Miller County Farm Bureau. He also served as a council member for the Miller County Extension and volunteered for the South Miller County Neighborhood Watch. Gene helped establish the FFA at Iberia R-V and served on the Advisory Committee.

Gene was a life-time farmer in the Miller County area. In addition to farming, Gene was also a painter at Fort Wood, he owned and operated a local gravel and backhoe business and later Martin Brothers Trucking with his dad and brother. He was also employed at Iberia R-V as Maintenance Supervisor where he worked for many years.

Gene enjoyed camping and boating, along with taking trips, traveling on bus tours, and listening to bluegrass music. He was a proud father and grandfather. He enjoyed attending their various school activities. As a proud Iberia Ranger you would always see Gene in the stands at the Ranger baseball and basketball games.

Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Kevin Rowden, Bernie Crum, and Nathan Martin will officiate. Interment will be in Iberia Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gene Martin Memorial Fund.