Obituaries for Sept. 7, 2011

Michael Steve Martin, Sr.

Michael Steve Martin, Sr., 60, of Manhattan, passed away Thursday, September 1st, at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan, KS. Mike was born in Shipman on March 25, 1951, the son of the late Bernice Myrtle (Bell) Martin and John Percy Martin, Jr. On April 27, 1976 in Charlottesville he married Brenda Stevens who survives him of 35 years.

He was a plant operator for the City of Manhattan, Waste Water Treatment Facility. Mike served in the U.S. Army, had worked for Manko Windows and Steel & Pipe Supply both of Manhattan.

Mike graduated from the Nelson County High School, Lovingston; Salina Area Technical College in Salina, where he received a diploma in waste water treatment plant operation & maintenance.

Survivors include his wife Brenda of the home, three daughters, Desiree Martin, of Manhattan, Nikki Martin, wife of Edison Henriquez, of Frederick, MD; Amanda Martin, of Manhattan; a son, Michael, husband of Katie Martin, II of Dodge City; seven sisters: Dale Davidson of Faber, Rebecca Martinez of Sterling, Kathy Martin of Charlottesville, Jacqueline Jones of Shipman, Kimberly Martin of Shipman, Karen Martin of Shipman, Valerie Martin of Shipman; three brothers, John Percy Martin III, Shipman, Edgar Martin, Charlottesville, Timothy Martin of Shipman; 5 grandchildren, Brianna, Christopher and Kia Martin of Manhattan and Jaryd and Landyn Martin of Dodge City. Mike is preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held on Thurs., Sept. 8, 2011 at 2:00pm at the Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston. Burial will follow at the Martin Family Cemetery in Shipman.

The family requests donations to American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society. To send an email condolence visit www.irvinparkview.com.

Local arrangements are with Wells-Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston.

Isham McKinney

On Aug. 24 we bow in humble submission to our Heavenly Father who saw fit to claim the spirit of our loved one, Isham McKinney (aka Ike and Boots). It is the belief that Boots is now free from all pain and suffering and has entered that new and wonderful life of peace everlasting. Isham McKinney (Ike/Boots) was born on May 13, 1925 to the late Isham McKinney Sr. and the late Minnie Wyatt McKinney. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Thomas.

As a young boy, Boots had a special love and affection for his mother. Boots worked on local constructions jobs which always allowed him to come home at night and provide care for his mother. He enjoyed gardening, landscaping and fishing. Boots often talked about how easy it was to fish when the water was peaceful and calm. He loved gardening and was thrilled to share his vegetables with family and friends. Telling jokes and reminiscing the "good old days" brought joy and happiness to Boots. He loved to keep you laughing. He was just that kind of person who did not require a lot to be happy.

In Boots’ later years, he lost his eyesight due to diabetes, but he never complained.

Boots was a testimony that one must learn to endure the storms and tribulations of life. In April 2005, Boots was the victim of a severe fire. He suffered third degree burns on the lower part of his body. God sent an angel by the name of Mrs. Cecelia Ross Essex who prepared homemade meals for him. She also ended up saving his life after the fire as the doctors did not think he was going to live. However, Boots had faith and trust in God which enabled his health to improve and he spent six wonderful years at the Lovingston Health Care Center.

Boots had a special personality, and the people he met could not help from loving him. He did not waste his time complaining, but simply accepted life as it was. The Lovingston Health Care Center staff loved Boots and Boots loved them equally. His roommate Clarence Allen was his best buddy.

Boots leaves to cherish his memory a host of family and friends and his dear roommate Clarence Allen.

A funeral service was held Sept. 3 at Pine Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Aaron Wade, officiating. Burial followed in the Campbell-Willis Family Cemetery. The body was in state prior to the funeral service. Byrum-Parr Funeral Home is serving the family.