Gantner Erwin "Erv" Martin

Gantner Erwin Martin was born on July 13, 1936, in Bakersfield, California, to Gladys Mildred Holmes and Gantner Joseph Martin. From an early age, family mattered deeply to him. As a boy, Erv was especially close to his younger brother, Marvin. He was protective, loyal, and proud to be Marvin’s big brother. Together, they did all the things young boys do—playing, exploring, and building memories that helped shape Erv’s lifelong devotion to family. Erv attended Los Angeles High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. Football became a lifelong passion, and he proudly played as an all-star halfback. He loved sharing stories of his playing days, stories many of us heard often and always with a smile. His love for the game stayed with him throughout his life, and he especially enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs. After graduating in 1955, Erv continued his education at UCLA, earning a Certificate in Advanced Specialization in Government Contract Management. In 1967, he began his career as an engineer in the aerospace industry. From 1969 until his retirement in 1994, he worked for Northrop Aviation, contributing to projects including the F18 and the stealth bomber—work he was deeply proud of. Erv was a true patriot, grateful for his country and honored to serve it through his profession. Following retirement, Erv moved from California to Missouri, where he met and married Kay Blake in 2001. Erv and Kay shared a deep enjoyment of traveling together, especially when their journeys led them to places rich in history. Erv, a lifelong history buff, was particularly drawn to sites from the Civil War era. Those trips became treasured memories, filled with conversation, curiosity, and the simple joy of being side by side. Erv is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Gantner Martin; his brother, Marvin Martin; an infant daughter; and his daughter, Erin Myers. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay Martin; his children Dean Martin of Canby, Oregon, Sheri Arnold of Fountain Valley, California, and Dana Pincock of Bossier City, Louisiana; along with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also lovingly remembered by his stepchildren: Barbara Morgans and her husband Danny, Amy Mahurin, Jacque Rice and her husband Scott, and Justin Blake and his wife Crystal, as well as many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Erv’s life was one of faith, service, and love. His faith was steady and sincere, lived out through a life of service to others and a willingness to share the Gospel whenever he could, always trusting in the promise of John 3:16—that whoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have eternal life. While we will miss his presence and his stories, we are comforted knowing he now rests in the peace and promise of eternal life with the Lord. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Pastor Vicki Coons officiating. Interment will be in the Bowers Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Grace Community Church or the Bowers Chapel Cemetery.

Gantner Erwin "Erv" Martin

July 13, 1936 - January 1, 2026