Rev. Harold Martin crossed over the threshold into glory at 06:50 A.M. on November 18, 2023, at his residence.

Rev. Martin was born April 22, 1943, in Richmond, MO, to Ina Mae (Wrisinger) Martin and Clifford Franklin Martin, Sr.

Rev. Martin attended Fairview school in rural Carroll County, Norborne, and Henrietta elementary schools and Richmond R-XVI High School, graduating in 1961.  He was married in September 1961.  Three children were born of that marriage: Karon, Melody, and Duane.

Rev. Martin later married Sharon Lou Fox Seely in October 1979.  Sharon brought three daughters into the marriage: Cindy, Sheri, and Julie.

Sharon preceded Mr. Martin in death on August 25, 2011.  He is survived by six children: Cindy Lou Seely, Sheri Ann Watkins, Karon Evaun Pantera, Melody Dawn Martin, Julie Kay Kramer, and Duane Allen Martin; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Archie Martin, Clifford Martin, Dennis Martin, Diana Sutton, Patricia Goodall, and Linda McKee.

Mr. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and grandson, Jacob Sallee.

In June 1962, Mr. Martin began his career at Ford Motor Company's assembly plant at Claycomo, MO.  That lasted 30.5 years.  Mr. Martin retired from Ford Motor Company in October 1992.  Mr. Martin played guitar and sang, entertaining the residents of Shirkey's Nursing Home and the Trails End in Lexington for several years, even before he retired from Ford Motor Company.

Mr. Martin also founded and organized "The Gloryland Express" a bluegrass gospel group.  This group ministered to churches and nursing homes.  They also had their own bus to travel around this part of the state.  For several years, the group had a 30-minute live radio program featuring bluegrass gospel music and a short presentation of the gospel.

In 1995, Mr. Martin started his life in ministry by being called as pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church.  Mr. Martin served there for 12 plus years leading the congregation from an attendance of nine, when he began there as pastor, to an average of 60 to 65 when he resigned.

During those 12 years, he also served as a volunteer in the following organizations: Ray County Salvation Army advisory board for 12 years- 10 of them as secretary of said advisory board, Community 2000 Board, Richmond Ministerial Alliance- serving 2 years as president, and Senior Citizen advisory board.

After resigning from Hickory Grove, Mr. Martin served two years as administrative assistant to Dr. Jerry Palmer, Director of Missions in Heartland Baptist Association located in Lawson, MO.

Rev. Martin then accepted a call to serve as pastor of FBC of Cowgill, MO.  In 2014, he was forced to resign because of his health.

Over the years of ministry, Mr. Martin organized "The God Squad," a seniors group ministry to seniors and nursing home residents in at least four counties.

Rev. Martin also wrote a religious column called "Reflections of Grace".  The column was featured in The Richmond Daily News for several years.

Mr. Martin held several positions in his local church as well as Heartland Baptist Association before becoming a pastor.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shirkey Hospice.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M.  Inurnment will follow services in Hickory Grove Cemetery, northeast of Richmond.  Please remember to share your memories of Harold with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.