Lloyd Daniels “Dan” Martin, 84, of Asbury, Missouri, passed away on Jan. 26, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri.
Dan was born on May 29, 1940, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Arthur Lloyd Martin and Edith Daniels. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1958. On July 11, 1960, Dan married the love of his life, Judy Schooley, in Opolis, Kansas. They shared a beautiful life together until Judy’s passing on May 7, 2013.
He took over the family farm at the age of 17 when his father died. He guided and grew the operation through a lifetime of turbulent markets, challenging weather, and incredible transitions in technology. From early stories of field work with teams of horses to recent years riding tractors through the field with autosteer, he’d experienced the transformation of modern farming firsthand.
He loved the farm and working hard. He believed there were few problems that couldn’t be solved by an extra measure of hard work and commitment. He instilled in his family a sense that things worth doing were worth dedication and would seldom succeed without it.
He was involved with the Crawford County Rural Water #5 since its inception in the 1950’s, serving as plant manager for many years.
He was also a member of the Opolis Christian Bible Church and involved with several farm organizations and boards.
Additional survivors include a daughter Angie Sarley and husband Mike; a daughter-in-law Patty Martin; grandchildren Mic Humble and Trisha, Zac Sarley and Sarah, Andrew Sarley and Emily, Sam Scott and Trevor, Dan Martin and Erin, Jenny Martin and Jake and Scott Martin, along with 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy, son Gregg Martin, brother Walter Martin, sister Katherine Knabach and a great granddaughter Harper Sarley.
Visitation service will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the Crawford County 4-H or Opolis Park fundraiser, these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762.