Louis "Louie" Alvis Martin, age 91, of Iberia, passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center in Tuscumbia. He was born in Dixon on July 6, 1921, son of the late Fred and Gertie (Kehr) Martin. On April 19, 1941, in Bowling Green, Louis was united in marriage to Marjorie June Law, who preceded him in death on August 12, 2001. Together they raised five children and shared sixty wonderful years.

Louie was baptized in 1936 at Alder Springs Church of Christ by Ira Rice. As a young man he realized the importance of putting the Lord first in his life. He was a leader and served as an elder in the church for many years. He was a Charter Member of the Iberia Church of Christ which was built in 1945. He felt it was a blessing and joy to work with the church in Iberia. His church family as well as his own family, were very special to him. He loved studying the bible and discussing scriptures with others. He was a happy, outgoing person and made friends wherever he went.

Louie served on the Iberia School Board for nineteen years and was instrumental in getting the present building built at the current location. He also served on the M.F.A. Board and Farm Bureau Board for a number of years.

Louie worked in various jobs including farming, painting at Ft. Wood, driving dump trucks with his sons, and hauling peaches and apples to small towns where he would sell to the local people. He made many friends selling apples and could tell a lot of stories about his apple hauling days. He even received mail addressed to the "Apple Man".

In 2005 Louie fell and as a result he developed a subdural hematoma and never regained complete balance and had to have full time care. Besides his family who cared for him he was blessed to have kind and caring nurses in his home. They were Lynn Beasley, Barbara Harrison, Frances Thompson, and Erma Denton. For the last two years he has lived at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center where he has had excellent care.

He is survived by two sons, Gene Martin and wife Janice (Burd) and Larry Martin and wife Jeannie (Becker) all of Iberia; three daughters, Sharon Wiles and husband Olis of Willow Springs, Brenda Thompson of Iberia, and Janet Robinson and husband Gary of Marshfield; twelve grandchildren, Russell Martin & wife Tammy of Eugene, Roberta Murray and husband Rob of Iberia, Lewis Wiles & wife Elizabeth of Rolla, Rodney Wiles and wife Sherry of Willow Springs, Dwayne Thompson and wife Cathy of Iberia, Fred Thompson and wife Terri of Iberia, Phillip Thompson and wife DeAnn of Iberia, James King and wife Sara of Kansas City, Amy Ward and husband Dennis of McFarland, Wisconsin, Carrie Martin of Jefferson City, Chris Martin of Bolivar, and Casey Martin of Bolivar; twenty-two great-grandchildren and one on the way in December, Nathan Martin, Hannah Martin, Taylor Murray, Collin Murray, Brooke Wiles, David Wiles, Jessica Wiles, Michael Wiles, Jacob Wiles, Emma Wiles, Laura Thompson, Lindsey Thompson, Logan Thompson, Derek Thompson, Ashley Thompson, Allison Thompson, Matthew Thompson, Mara King, Matthew King, Clay Ward, Chase Ward, and Ciera Ward; one brother, Edward Martin of Iberia; three brothers-in-law, T.W. Porter and wife Jean of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Harry Law and wife Phoebe of Vandalia, and Howard Law and wife Loretta of Louisiana, Missouri; one aunt, Daphne Kehr of Springfield; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many relatives, and friends.

Louie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie, in 2001, his father in 1968, his mother in 1996, one sister, Lucille Porter in 1998, and one son-in-law, Bill Thompson in 2011

Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Bro. Bernie Crum will officiate. Interment will be in Iberia Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Iberia Cemetery.