Vernon Leroy Martin Jr.

Vernon Leroy Martin, Jr., 84 of Independence, MO passed away Friday, December 15, 2017 at Seasons Memory Care. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the Crown Pointe Church, 5950 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m., until service time at the church. Donations may be made in his name to Orphans Africa, 2612 N. 8th St. Tacoma WA 98406. Vernon was born August 16, 1933 in Seattle, WA to Vernon L. and Nedra Inez (Gerhardt) Martin, Sr. He graduated from Olympia High School in Olympia, WA in 1952 and attended Centralia Community College in Centralia, WA. He proudly served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a truck driver and had worked for a number of years for Standard Paper Company until he retired in 1991. He enjoyed sports, music, hiking and traveling. He was a member and past president of the Independence Optimist Club and also a member of the American Red Cross. Survivors include; his wife, Virginia of the home; 4 sons, Rick Martin of Tacoma, WA, Leonard Martin and wife Lael of Kodiak, AK, Tim Davis and wife Barbara of Independence, MO and Ron Davis and wife Denise of Englewood, CO; a daughter in law, Jeanne Dennis of Independence, MO; 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by; his parents, a brother, Donald Martin, 3 sons, Steve Martin, Greg Martin and Rick Davis, a daughter, Kathy Ray, a daughter in law, Diane Martin and a grandchild, Ben Davis. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)